What's in Your Brand's Name?
Posted by Jaci Russo
Your brand’s name is more than just something fancy or something that sounds clever- it tells what your company is all about and a little bit of background information. Not only is your logo important, but your brand name as well. Give people something to remember you by- something that truly stands out from the rest.
We work with clients everyday to name their companies and develop brand identities to best represent them. We often make the comparison that the process is equivalent to naming their child - their name says so much about them, and no one wants to be the one that got stuck with 'Eugene'.
With a creative name and logo behind you- there will be no more talk of “oh yeah that company, uhh what’s it called?” It's interesting to realize how often companies chose a name and then made it great. Very rarely is the name instantly recognizable and 'perfect'. The company, service, products and time all lends to making a name great. Take a look at these famous companies and see just how they took their name to the next level.
Nike was named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. The famous Nike “swoosh” symbolizes the flight of the goddess. How many victories do you think were won while wearing the famous Nike logo.
The name Adidas came from its founder Adolf Dassler. Adidas was formed by the first three letters of his first name (ADI) – which was also his nickname- and the first three letters of his last name (DAS). Together these two sets formed ADIDAS, the name we have come to know today. What would your name look like as a brand?
All around the world, Coca-Cola is shared daily for meals, snacks, and everywhere in-between. Coca-Cola got its name from the coca leaves and kola nuts used to make this popular drink. John S. Pemberton, founder, thought the name would look better if the “K” in kola was changed to a “C” – thus forming the name “Coca-Cola”.
Lego’s roots go back to the Danish language. A combination of the Danish words “Leg Godt”- which means “play well”- forms the name “LEGO”. Although Lego claims that it is only a coincidence, “lego” in the Latin language means “I put together”. The Lego brand has stuck around for many generations, and will continue for many more.
Skype is used by many people: business professionals all the way to children. This video calling service started out as a concept that was “SKY-PEER-TO-PEER”. This later was shortened to “SKYPER”, and then morphed into “SKYPE” as we know it today. How many conference calls have you done on Skype lately?
These are just a few of the famous brands that have interesting backgrounds on how they got their names. What is in your brand name? Does it reflect your company and the promise behind it?
Elise (noble, honorable) Tauzin
The Russo (stems from Latin word “Rossius” meaning “red”)
Group
