14 Famous Brands With Completely Different Names in Other Countries
These globally known companies go by totally different names depending on where you are in the world.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Brand names don’t always travel well across borders — what works in one language might flop or even offend in another. To adapt to local markets, some major brands have undergone full rebrands overseas. From burgers to batteries, here are 14 surprising examples of household names that aren’t quite what you think abroad.
1. Burger King (Australia: Hungry Jack’s)
Mr Stan Zemanek on Wikimedia Commons
When Burger King tried to open in Australia, the name was already trademarked by someone else. Rather than fight it, they chose “Hungry Jack’s,” a name based on Pillsbury’s pancake mix.
2. Lay’s (UK: Walkers)
Dan Taylor-Watt on Wikimedia Commosn
In the U.S., they’re Lay’s; in the UK, they’re Walkers. That’s because PepsiCo owns both, but kept the British branding after acquiring Walkers.
3. Axe (UK & Others: Lynx)
Anarchyte on Wikimedia Commons
The popular men’s body spray is now called “Lynx” in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The name change was due to legal reasons and market preferences.
4. Dairy Queen (Mexico: Dairy Queen Grill & Chill)
Jim Corsair on Wikimedia Commons
In Mexico, it goes by “Dairy Queen Grill & Chill” to highlight its expanded hot food menu. It’s a slight tweak but helps distinguish it from just a dessert place.
5. KFC (Canada: PFK)
Mike Fitzsimon on Wikimedia Commons
In Quebec, KFC is “PFK,” short for “Poulet Frit Kentucky.” Canadian language laws require French translations in certain regions.
6. Mr. Clean (Italy: Mastro Lindo)
Ángel Apellido on Flickr
Mr. Clean’s bald mascot is universal, but in Italy, he’s known as “Mastro Lindo.” Other European countries also use unique versions like “Meister Proper” in Germany.
7. Olay (Germany: Oil of Olaz)
Procter and Gamble Heritage Center on Wikimedia Commons
In the U.S., it’s Olay, but in Germany and a few other places, it’s “Oil of Olaz.” Originally marketed under that name, it was shortened in the U.S. for simplicity.
8. Hellmann’s (UK: Best Foods)
Takahiro Yamagiwa on Flickr
West of the Rockies in the U.S., you’re more likely to find “Best Foods” instead of Hellmann’s. Though it’s the same product, the brand names have remained separate due to regional popularity.
9. Diet Coke (Various Countries: Coca-Cola Light)
Lira ♥ on Flickr
Outside the U.S., “Diet Coke” is often sold as “Coca-Cola Light.” The formula may differ slightly, catering to local tastes. The word “diet” doesn’t resonate the same way globally, hence the swap.
10. Always (Many Countries: Whisper)
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
The feminine hygiene brand is called “Whisper” in much of Asia, including India and Japan. The change softens the branding and aligns with local sensitivities.
11. Triscuits (Canada: Crackers Triscuit)
Kenny on Flickr
In Canada, packaging swaps “Triscuits” with the bilingual “Crackers Triscuit.” It’s more of a labeling adjustment than a name change.
12. Milky Way (UK: Mars)
Sannse on Wikimedia Commons
What Americans call a Milky Way is essentially a “Mars Bar” in the UK. Also, the UK’s version of Milky Way is a lighter, fluffier treat entirely.
13. Chevrolet Nova (Latin America: Chevy Caribe)
Lokman Sevim on Pexels
The Chevy Nova famously didn’t sell well in Spanish-speaking countries because “no va” means “doesn’t go.” To save face, Chevrolet marketed it under different names like “Caribe.”
14. Snickers (UK Pre-1990: Marathon)
John Jones on Flickr
Before 1990, Snickers bars were sold as “Marathon” in the UK. The name was changed for global brand consistency.