Where Do Car Names Come From?

We come across various models of different auto manufacturers like Suzuki, Toyota, Honda and others on a daily basis. We pass by them, immediately recognize them due to their particular design or shape, yet we never seem to bother too much about where their names come from.

In this blog, we will list the names of some of the most popular car models in Pakistan and their origins. In addition, towards the end of the blog, we’ll list down a guide to understanding Mercedes models. As you know, Mercedes models don’t have names, rather letters and numbers. What do these letters and numbers mean, you’ll find out in this blog.

So, let’s begin.

Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation was started by a Japanese businessman Kiichiro Toyoda. Hence the name Toyota. 

In Pakistan, the auto manufacturer is associated with a variety of models, including Corolla. So, where does the name Corolla come from?

Corolla – Corolla means the ring of petals around the center of a flower. Toyota named their model Corolla to evoke the image of beauty. 

Yaris – The name Yaris comes from Greek and German languages. in Greek mythology “Charis” was a symbol of beauty. What Toyota did was swap “Ch” with German “Ya” which means yes. Hence the word Yaris. 

Prius – Prius is driven from Latin. In Latin, Prius means previous. When Prius was launched in 1997, no other hybrid car had been mass produced prior to it. 

Camry – The name Camry is derived from the Japanese word – “Kanmuri”, which means crown. 

Honda

Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co. in 1948 and hence the name – Honda. 

Honda is one of the most successful car makers in the world, including Pakistan. Let’s take a look at the names and their origins of some of its most-popular models in Pakistan.

City – City is driven from the English word “city”. The car was specially designed for young, city-dwellers. 

Civic – Like City, Civic is also driven from the English word “Civic”. The car was specifically designed for town or city dwellers. 

Accord – Honda’s premium model, Accord is derived from the English word “accord”. Whoever came up with the name wanted to give the idea of a car which comfortably harmonizes people and cars.   

CR-V – The initials stand for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle”. 

CR-X – The initials stand for “Car Renaissance or City Runabout or Cruising”.  

Suzuki

Suzuki Motor Corporation is named after its founder’s name – Michio Suzuki. However, in the Japanese language, Suzuki means “bell tree”.

Alto – In Latin, “altus” means High. The name “Alto” is derived from altus. 

Swift – The model gets its name from the English adjective swift, which means fast. 

Baleno – In the Italian language, Baleno means lightning or flash. 

Jimny – This model’s name is derived from “Jeep”, “Mini” and “Tiny”. 

Celerio – Celerio comes from the Latin word “Celer” which means fast or quick. 

Hyundai

Unlike the names of Japanese auto manufacturers, South Korean auto manufacturing companies aren’t named after their founders. Hyundai, for example, was founded by Chung Ju-yung. 

Hyundai Motor Company gets its name from the Korean language word “Hyundai” meaning modernity. 

As compared to Suzuki, Toyota and Honda, Hyundai is a recent entrant in the local auto scene of Pakistan. Let’s take a look at the name origins of its popular models.

Elantra – Elantra is driven from the English word “elation” which means to lift one’s spirits. Meaning Hyundai Elantra lifts its driver’s and passengers’ spirits. 

Sonata – Sonata gets its name from the Latin word “sonare” which means sound. The model was named after musical composition involving varying sections.  

Tucson – Often mispronounced as “Tuc Son” in Pakistan, Hyundai Tucson is named after the famous American city of Tucson (pronounced tu:sa:n). This city in the state of Arizona is set in the backdrop of a desert and mountains. 

Kia

Kia denotes “Rising from Asia”. “Kia” is a combination of sino-Korean characters. 

Sportage – The name Sportage is derived from “sport” and the suffix “age” – a car in the state of sportiness, or something similar. 

Sorento – This model is named after the Italian village of Sorrento. Why the company chose to name it after an Italian village isn’t known. 

Stonic – The name Stonic is based on two English words, “stylish” and ‘iconic”. 

Picanto – Do you know Picanto is supposed to mean spicy? This subcompact hatchback is named after Spanish and Italian language words “picante/piccante”. Both mean “spicy”.

Well there you have it. Next time a Picanto passes you by, it might bring a smile to your face knowing what the word means. 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is named after Mercedes Jellinek and Karl Benz. Benz was the creator of the first internal combustion engine, while Mercedes was the daughter of Emil Jellinek, who was a European automobile entrepreneur who registered the trademark after his daughter’s name.

Unlike the cars listed above, Mercedes models are not named after towns or words in different languages. Instead, they are labeled as “GLC” or “S-Class” etc. So, what do these terms mean?

Here is the glossary to understand Mercedes model names.

Most, if not all, of these cars are available on OLX Pakistan in new and used conditions. Do check them out.

Do you know the meaning of other popular car names and models in Pakistan? Let us know in the comments section.