Stories Behind the Names of Some Indian Companies

 

India is home to many famous companies, each with a unique name that often carries a special meaning or history. These names often reflect the founder's vision, cultural heritage, or the values they stand for. Understanding these stories gives us a glimpse into the heart and soul of these businesses.

In this article, we explore the simple yet fascinating tales behind the names of some well-known Indian companies and how they got their names.

1. Aditya Birla Group: Named after Aditya Vikram Birla, the group was established by his father, Ghanshyam Das Birla. It is a multinational conglomerate with interests in metals, cement, textiles, and financial services.
2. Amul: The name Amul is an acronym for Anand Milk Union Limited, representing the cooperative movement in the dairy sector. Founded in 1946, Amul revolutionized the dairy industry in India and became a symbol of the White Revolution.
3. Asian Paints: Founded in a Mumbai garage by four friends in 1942, the name Asian Paints signifies the company's ambition to become a leading paint manufacturer in Asia. Today, it is the largest paint company in India and a significant player in the international market.
4. Bajaj Auto: Named after its founder, Jamnalal Bajaj, Bajaj Auto started as a scooter and three-wheeler manufacturer. It has grown into one of the leading manufacturers of motorcycles and three-wheelers in India.
5. Bharti Enterprises: Founded by Sunil Bharti Mittal, the name Bharti comes from the Sanskrit word for India. The company is best known for its telecommunications business, Bharti Airtel, which is one of the largest mobile network operators in India.
6. Boroline: The name Boroline is derived from Borax and Liniment, reflecting the product's composition and its use as an antiseptic cream. Launched in 1929, Boroline quickly became a household name in India.
7. Chik: The name Chik is derived from the founder's father's name, Chinni Krishnan, who invented the sachet packaging for the shampoo brand. This innovation made shampoo affordable and accessible to millions of Indians.
8. Godrej & Boyce: The company was founded by Ardeshir Godrej and his brother Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej. Boyce was added to the name when the company partnered with a business associate, making it Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company.
9. HCL Technologies: Founded by Shiv Nadar, the name HCL stands for Hindustan Computers Limited, indicating its roots in the IT hardware business. HCL Technologies has evolved into a leading global IT services company.
10. HDFC Bank: The name HDFC stands for Housing Development Finance Corporation. Originally established to provide housing finance, HDFC Bank has evolved into one of India's leading private sector banks, offering a wide range of financial services.
11. Hero MotoCorp: Originally Hero Honda, the name Hero MotoCorp was adopted after the Munjal family separated from its joint venture with Honda. Hero signifies the company's commitment to producing high-quality motorcycles and scooters.
12. Hindustan Unilever (HUL): The name Hindustan signifies India, while Unilever comes from the Anglo-Dutch multinational parent company. HUL is one of the largest consumer goods companies in India, offering a wide range of products.
13. Infosys: The name Infosys is derived from Information Systems, reflecting the company's focus on providing IT services and solutions. Founded in 1981 by seven engineers, Infosys has grown to become a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing.
14. ITC Limited: Originally Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited, the name was later abbreviated to ITC to reflect the company's diversification into various sectors including hotels, packaging, and agribusiness.
15. Lakme: Inspired by the French opera Lakmé, which tells the story of a Hindu princess, the name reflects the brand's association with beauty and elegance. Founded by Simone Tata, Lakme has become a leading cosmetics brand in India.
16. Larsen & Toubro (L&T): The company was founded by two Danish engineers, Henning Holck-Larsen and Soren Kristian Toubro. L&T is renowned for its engineering, construction, and manufacturing capabilities.
17. Mahindra & Mahindra: Named after its founders, Jagdish Chandra Mahindra and Kailash Chandra Mahindra, the company started as a steel trading company and later diversified into automotive, IT, and agribusiness.
18. Maruti Suzuki: The name Maruti was inspired by the Hindu god Hanuman, who is also known as Maruti. Suzuki was added when the Indian government partnered with Suzuki Motor Corporation to manufacture affordable cars for the Indian market.
19. Mysore Sandal Soap: The name Mysore Sandal Soap is derived from its origin in Mysore, Karnataka, and its primary ingredient, sandalwood. Launched in 1916, it remains one of India's most iconic soap brands.
20. Nykaa: The name Nykaa comes from the Sanskrit word Nayaka, meaning someone in the spotlight. Founded by Falguni Nayar in 2012, Nykaa aims to empower women through beauty and wellness products.
21. Parle: The name Parle is derived from the French word Parler, meaning to speak. The company was named after the Parle suburb in Mumbai, where it was founded. Parle Products is known for its popular biscuits, candies, and snacks.
22. Reliance Industries: Founded by Dhirubhai Ambani, the name Reliance was chosen to signify the company's mission to build a reliable and trustworthy brand. Reliance Industries has diversified into various sectors, including petrochemicals, refining, oil & gas exploration, and retail.
23. Tata Motors: Named after the Tata Group, founded by Jamsetji Tata, one of India's oldest and largest conglomerates. The Motors part signifies the company's specialization in automotive manufacturing, making it a renowned name in the automobile industry.
24. Vicco: The name Vicco is an abbreviation of Vishnu Industrial Chemical Company, the original name of the company founded by Keshav Vishnu Pendharkar. Vicco is known for its Ayurvedic products, including the popular Vicco Turmeric cream.
25. Wipro: Originally known as Western India Vegetable Products Limited, the name Wipro was derived from the company's original focus on producing vegetable and refined oils. Over time, Wipro transitioned into IT services and became a major player in the global tech industry.
26. Zerodha: The name Zerodha combines Zero and Rodha (Sanskrit for barrier), symbolizing the company's goal of removing barriers to stock market investing. Founded in 2010 by Nithin Kamath, Zerodha has become a leading discount brokerage firm in India.

 

These stories highlight the creativity and thoughtfulness behind the naming of some of India's most well-known companies. Each name carries a legacy and reflects the vision and mission of the company.