What's in a name

This is a re-post of a blog I wrote in 2006. Yes almost a decade back.

Searching for a name was a experience of it's own. I wanted something unique that meant something. Tried various combinations. Learnt a little about naming conventions. Naming anything, be it your company or how you call your other half. More creativity, emotion or meaning the name has, more importance it gains and that much easier it is to remember. 

Read it somewhere - Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

So what exactly is in the name, what's in the name Stora, which by count is the oldest-alive industrial corporation in the world, established in Sweden in 1347. Its so old that history also contradicts when it started. Some say 1288 some say 1347. Even if we take 1347 still it is the oldest-alive industrial corporation in the world. How many people know about it? 

Then there are the not-so-old companies Coke and Pepsi which started in late 1880's. But then there is history related to some names, like coca-cola, which when named was formed with cocoa leaves and kola nuts. Somewhat similar is the history of the Shell corporation which started off transporting sea shells to London collectors and then lamp oils and the rest is history. Some names are based on facts and have a history, others are just names. What's in the name - Apple. The company known for it's innovations and cool devices? It has created such a brand for itself that when someone says "I bought an apple" you have to ask if the person is talking about a device or a fruit. Same with Orange! 

You don't need a name to find your identity, the identity finds your name. So I think... again.