Why is it called that? The untold stories behind car names
When it comes to naming cars, it’s never a simple task, as different names are crucial for different markets, and what works in one country might be a disastrous idea in another. Take the Hyundai Kona, for instance. It’s named after the scenic Kona district on Hawaii’s Big Island. It fits, and it works, at least for our market. But in Portugal, it had to be renamed to Kauai because ‘Kona’ sounds just a little too close to a vulgar slang word in European Portuguese. Yes… awkward, we know.
And it’s not alone. GWM’s P-Series bakkie is known as the ‘Poer’ in other markets. Why not here? Well, let’s just say the name ‘Poer’ might spark a few smirks in South Africa for reasons we probably don’t need to explain… The same applies to the Volkswagen Jetta, which once faced ridicule in certain markets where ‘jeta” means ‘face’ or is slang for ‘slap.’
This got me thinking: Why are some cars named the way they are? Who thought to name a sleek German coupe after a hurricane or a luxury SUV after a Latin word for glory? Sure, we often speak of these car names, such as Polo, Golf, Pajero, Cayenne, Hilux, and Stelvio, but do we know what they mean or why they were chosen? Once you start digging, you realise that there’s a story behind almost every car name, some sweet, others strange, and a few downright hilarious.
Cayenne
While you might assume the name Cayenne means something entirely different, you’d be surprised to know it means exactly what you’re thinking. Yes, it comes from the cayenne pepper, known for its heat, intensity, and bold flavour. Porsche chose the name deliberately, as it captured the essence of what they wanted their first SUV to represent. That is power, energy, and an exotic edge.
For a brand that has always been known for building iconic sports cars like the 911 and Boxster, introducing an SUV in 2002 was a brave move. The Cayenne needed to carry the same strong identity, performance pedigree, and emotional appeal. So the name had to feel premium, global, and dynamic, and the Cayenne name ticked all the right boxes. Like the pepper it’s named after, it proved that it can pack a serious punch in a four-wheeled form.
Golf
Golf is a name that still resonates with a lot of local hatchback buyers since the introduction of the original VW Golf in 1974. Rather than being named after the sport, the nameplate is a nod to ‘Golfstrom,’ the German word for the Gulf Stream.
Volkswagen had to use this name because it’s catchy and easy to pronounce in many languages. This, in the end, worked for a model that became a global hit. Even with electrification looming at the Wolfsburg-based marque, the brand has confirmed that the Golf name will live on, with future models likely to be called the ID. Golf, to keep it aligned with VW’s EV naming strategy. It’s a good move, if we’re honest, since the nameplate has strong emotional and brand value. Dropping it would be like tearing a few pages out of the automotive history books. For many, there’s always been a Golf in the family, and it looks like that tradition will continue, just plugged in this time.
Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is almost always part of the conversation when locals gather around the fire and talk bakkies. It’s one of the country’s top-selling nameplates, going head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and VW Amarok, to name a few. But have you ever stopped to think about where the name Hilux comes from?
It’s a combination of ‘High and Luxury,’ a name Toyota came up with back in the late 1960s when the first Hilux made its debut. At the time, it was a relatively basic workhorse, but the name made sense. Compared to the competition, the Hilux offered a more refined and comfortable driving experience, something rare in the bakkies of that time. Fast forward to today, and the Hilux has grown into its name. It’s a tough, go-anywhere bakkie that blends rugged capability with surprising levels of comfort, reliability, technology, and everyday usability. More than five decades on, the Hilux continues to deliver what it has always been known for: a high-performing workhorse with just enough frills to feel like more than just a bakkie.
Pajero
Now here’s a name that definitely raised a few eyebrows, especially in Spain, where Pajero is, well… let’s just say it’s slang for someone who enjoys their own company a little too often. Not quite what Mitsubishi wanted to achieve. Because of that, the SUV was rebranded as the Montero in Spanish-speaking countries and as the Shogun in the UK. But back to the original name, Pajero was actually inspired by the Pampas cat, a small wild feline native to South America (Leopardus pajeros), known for its agility, toughness, and ability to survive in challenging terrain. It was a clever nod to the SUV’s off-road prowess.
Despite the awkward translation hiccup, the Pajero nameplate flourished in markets like SA, Japan, and Australia, where it built a reputation as a serious bruiser both on and off the beaten path. It went head-to-head with legends like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Isuzu mu-X, and earned its place in the off-road hall of fame.
Polo
Unlike the VW Golf, which follows the brand’s wind and current naming pattern, the Polo was named after the sport of polo as a symbol of refined performance, with the marketing team hoping to depict it as fast, lightweight, and controlled. The history books tell us that VW decided to use the name for practical reasons; it’s short, easy to pronounce, memorable, and catchy. All in all, naming it after a sport with style and heritage gave it an aspirational advantage, helping position it as more than just an entry-level vehicle.
Sold as a hatchback and a sedan in SA, the Polo is counted amongst the best sellers in the country on the monthly sales charts and is a recognisable name at that. This goes to prove that even the smallest cars can carry names with lasting impact and real presence.
Stelvio
Introduced in 2017 as the brand’s bold attempt in the SUV segment, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has become an important model in the range. Infused with Italian flair, the Stelvio nameplate echoes that sentiment, as it was derived from the Stelvio Pass, Italy’s highest mountain pass, noted for its 48 circuitous switchbacks.
By calling the SUV that, Alfa aimed to portray performance, Italian pride, and driving passion simply because the pass has always been known as a proving ground for vehicles, while also tying the SUV to a stunning and iconic part of Italy. And Alfa made sure the Stelvio lived up to it: engineered with sharp steering, rear-biased handling, and a deeply emotional driving experience, which proves that even in the world of SUVs, Alfa Romeo hasn’t forgotten how to awaken the soul.
So, the next time you see a badge on a boot lid or hear someone casually mention the name of their car, remember that the name wasn’t chosen by chance. Just like the names we carry in our families, car names are often rooted in something deeper. Some are born from nature, others from legacy, aspiration, or raw feeling. And once you understand the story behind the name, the car itself somehow feels more alive and more connected. In the end, a name is never just a name; sometimes, it’s a story on wheels.
