18 Popular Products That Quietly Changed Names
These well-known products went through name changes that many people never noticed.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Over the years, companies have rebranded, shortened, or modernized names to keep up with changing times and customer expectations. While some changes were subtle, others were bold and left a lasting impression. Here are products that quietly swapped names while still staying familiar favorites.
1. 1. BackRub → Google
Google on Wikimedia Commons
Before it became the search giant we know today, Google was called BackRub. The quirky name was dropped in favor of a term inspired by the mathematical word “googol.” The switch gave the company a sharper identity and set the stage for its global dominance.
2. 2. Brad’s Drink → Pepsi
ENRDIS on Wikimedia Commons
In 1893, a North Carolina pharmacist created a soda called Brad’s Drink. A few years later, it was rebranded as Pepsi, a name thought to suggest digestive benefits. That small change helped Pepsi compete with Coca-Cola on a global scale.
3. 3. Pete’s Super Submarines → Subway
Subway on Wikimedia Commons
When the sandwich shop first opened in 1965, it was called Pete’s Super Submarines. The name was later shortened to Subway, making it snappier and easier to remember. Today, it’s one of the most widespread fast-food chains in the world.
4. 4. Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo → Sony
Sony Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
The Japanese electronics company started out with a mouthful of a name: Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo. In 1958, it rebranded as Sony, blending the Latin word “sonus” for sound with “sonny,” a playful nickname. The new name made it far more appealing worldwide.
5. 5. AuctionWeb → eBay
The original uploader was KUsam at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia Commons
When the site first launched in 1995, it was simply called AuctionWeb. The founder later rebranded it as eBay, taken from his company’s name Echo Bay Technology. That short and catchy name stuck as the site became an online marketplace giant.
6. 6. Blue Ribbon Sports → Nike
Nike, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Before the swoosh became iconic, Nike started as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964. The company rebranded in 1971, choosing the name Nike after the Greek goddess of victory. That single word gave the brand an unforgettable identity.
7. 7. Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web → Yahoo!
Verizon Media - Pentagram on Wikimedia Commons
In the early internet days, Yahoo! had a clunky name: Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web. The rebrand gave it a more fun and punchy identity. That change helped Yahoo! stand out during the internet boom of the ’90s.
8. 8. Sound of Music → Best Buy
RilennEdits on Wikimedia Commons
This electronics retailer originally went by Sound of Music. After a successful “Best Buy” marketing campaign in the 1980s, the company officially adopted the new name. It gave the store a more modern and consumer-friendly vibe.
9. 9. Stag Party → Playboy
http://www.playboytvla.com/mayor/ on Wikimedia Commons
Hugh Hefner’s magazine was first going to be called Stag Party. Legal concerns forced a last-minute name change to Playboy. The switch ended up being perfect, as it became one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands in publishing.
10. 10. Relentless → Amazon
Amazon.com, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Jeff Bezos initially considered naming his online store Relentless. However, he settled on Amazon, inspired by the massive South American river. The name conveyed size and ambition, aligning perfectly with the company’s future growth.
11. 11. Jerry’s → Ben & Jerry’s
Unilever. The original uploader was Beefkidney at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia Commons
When the Vermont ice cream shop opened, it was just called Jerry’s. Co-founder Ben Cohen’s name was later added, making it Ben & Jerry’s. The change gave the brand more personality and cemented its friendly, small-town image.
12. 12. Soundabout → Walkman
Sony on Wikimedia Commons
Sony’s portable cassette player was first tested in the U.S. as the Soundabout. However, the name Walkman stuck internationally and eventually became universal. The rebrand made the product iconic and synonymous with music on the go.
13. 13. Mr. Peanut’s Snack Company → Planters
Idk there was no design maker i think Planters made the logo on Wikimedia Commons
The snack company’s original branding leaned heavily on its mascot, Mr. Peanut. Over time, it streamlined its name to Planters. This cleaner name allowed the brand to grow beyond one character and expand its appeal.
14. 14. Opal Fruits → Starburst
Starburst Aerospace & Defense on Wikimedia Commons
In the UK, fruit chews were originally sold as Opal Fruits. The company later unified its branding worldwide under the name Starburst. While the old name still has fans, Starburst proved more modern and universal.
15. 15. Datsun → Nissan
Nissan on Wikimedia Commons
Japanese automaker Datsun had loyal fans, but the company rebranded globally to Nissan in the 1980s. The change gave it a stronger international identity. Though some still remember Datsun fondly, Nissan is now the widely recognized name.
16. 16. Lucky Goldstar → LG
™/®LG Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
The electronics company started out as Lucky Goldstar. To modernize, it shortened the name to LG, later spinning it as “Life’s Good.” The rebrand helped the company compete with global tech giants more effectively.
17. 17. Pal’s Sudden Service → Pal’s
Klawson cenergy on Wikimedia Commons
The regional fast-food chain in Tennessee once used the full name Pal’s Sudden Service. Over time, it shortened the name to Pal’s. The cleaner branding made it easier to market while keeping the same friendly image.
18. 18. Dunkin’ Donuts → Dunkin’
RilennEdits on Wikimedia Common
In 2019, Dunkin’ Donuts officially dropped “Donuts” from its name. The change reflected its expanded menu beyond just donuts. Fans still use the old name, but Dunkin’ embraced a fresher, broader image.