Buzz
While some brands are named after their founders or employ clever wordplay and acronyms tied to their industry, others draw inspiration from historical events, ancient legends, or the unique stories of their inception.
10. Volkswagen
Volkswagen translates to “People’s Car” in German, a name deeply tied to its origins. It was conceived as part of the Nazi regime’s initiative to fulfill their pledge of catering to ordinary citizens. At the time, automobiles were a luxury for the wealthy, but Hitler envisioned an affordable vehicle to democratize access to the privileges of the elite.
However, Germany’s automotive industry was struggling, even with high-end car production. To address this, Hitler and his team invested significant resources into developing the first Volkswagen. The initial model, named the KdF (Kraft durch Freude, meaning “Strength through Joy”), debuted in 1938. Since then, Volkswagen has remained a prominent name in the automotive world.
9. Nokia
Nokia’s origins trace back to a small paper mill in Finland, established in 1865 by Fredrik Idestam. Recognizing the future potential of pulp, Fredrik opened a second mill near the Nokianvirta River, which led to the company being named Nokia AB.
Over time, Nokia diversified into various industries, including rubber, forestry, and electronics like cables and generators. The modern Nokia emerged in the 1980s when Europe’s telecommunication sector was deregulated. Pioneering the first fully digital telephone exchange in 1982, Nokia cemented its place in the telecommunications industry with its iconic mobile phones.
83. M
3M, known for products like Post-It Notes and Scotch Tape, had humble beginnings. Founded as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company by five entrepreneurs, the company initially mined corundum at Crystal Bay in the early 1900s. However, they soon realized the mineral was too soft and lacked the abrasive qualities they had hoped for.
With little left to lose, 3M embraced a culture of innovation, adopting the philosophy of “listening to anyone with an idea.” Their breakthrough came in 1923 with the invention of Scotch tape, inspired by a car engineer’s need for a paint-friendly adhesive. Through such inventive solutions, 3M gradually evolved into the global powerhouse it is today.
7. Cadillac
Born from the collapse of Henry Ford’s second unsuccessful venture (before he founded Ford Motor Company), the Cadillac luxury car brand takes its name from French explorer and soldier Antoine Laumet de La Mothe Cadillac, who was born in 1658.
Antoine was a controversial figure, known for his deceitful nature and an “evil mind,” as described by many. He battled the Iroquois Indians and, with King Louis XIV’s approval, established Fort-Pontchartrain du Detroit, the foundation of modern-day Detroit. Given that Cadillac’s headquarters is located in Detroit, naming the luxury car brand after the city’s founder was a fitting tribute.
6. Asus
While Asus specializes in cutting-edge electronics, its name has ancient roots. Inspired by Pegasus, the mythical winged horse from Greek mythology, Asus embodies qualities like “strength, purity, and adventurous spirit,” mirroring the legendary creature’s traits.
Why “Asus” instead of “Pegasus”? Though the company doesn’t elaborate, some speculate it was a strategic choice to ensure Asus appeared near the top of alphabetically sorted business lists.
5. Arm & Hammer
Arm & Hammer, known for its baking soda, retained its iconic logo and name even after its original spice mill closed in 1867. While the connection between baking soda and an arm holding a hammer may seem odd, it traces back to Roman mythology—specifically, the god Vulcan.
Vulcan, associated with fire and metalworking, symbolized volcanoes and wildfires. His destructive reputation was so feared that his temples were built outside city limits to avoid urban fires. Arm & Hammer drew a parallel between Vulcan’s fiery power and the brand’s ability to make dough rise—a far gentler interpretation of Vulcan’s legacy.
4. Sharp
One of Japan’s leading electronics giants, Sharp, owes its name to an entirely unrelated invention. Founded by Hayakawa Tokuji in 1915, the company began with his creation of the mechanical pencil at just 21 years old. Patented as the “Ever-Ready Sharp pencil,” the name “Sharp” was chosen to highlight the precision and sharpness of his innovative pencils.
Tokuji’s pencil business thrived until the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 devastated his factory. Forced to sell the pencil rights to clear debts, he relocated to Osaka. While he initially continued pencil production, he shifted focus to radios a year later. By his death in 1981, Sharp had become a dominant force in the electronics industry.
3. Bluetooth
Bluetooth’s connection to history extends beyond its name to its logo. The name originates from Viking king Harald Blatand, whose surname means “bluetooth.” This unusual name stemmed from a discolored, dead tooth that reportedly turned blue. Known for his ability to foster peaceful communication between conflicting parties, Harald became an ideal symbol for the development of modern communication technology.
The Bluetooth logo is crafted from Viking runes representing Harald’s initials. When merged, these runes create the iconic B-shaped emblem seen on Bluetooth devices today.
2. American Express
While American Express now evokes thoughts of quick transactions, its origins had nothing to do with payments. Founded in 1850, it started as a rapid delivery service, addressing the unreliability of the American postal system at the time.
The founders soon recognized the profitability of handling interbank deliveries. Gradually, they shifted focus to financial services, becoming experts in secure financial transfers. Over time, they transitioned from serving banks to becoming a leading financial institution themselves.
1. Volvo
Volvo, a renowned car manufacturer, derives its name from the Latin phrase meaning “I Roll.” While fitting for automobiles, the name initially referred to a completely different product: ball bearings. The Swedish company, a subsidiary of AB SKF, manufactured ball bearings from 1915 to 1924.
The company shifted focus when its founders decided to venture into car manufacturing. After three years of development, the first Volvo car was produced in Hisingen, Gothenburg, marking the beginning of what would grow into a globally recognized automotive brand.
