What's In A Name- Malini Badoni

What's in a name? Well, everything! A lot goes into a name. Ask any parent, and they will have an interesting story about how they named their child. A name has its own personality, conjuring up our imagination even before we encounter a person. And in the world of branding, a name becomes everything. It shapes perceptions, triggers emotions, and establishes a unique identity.

The memorability of a brand is closely tied to its name. A captivating and easy-to-remember name enhances brand recall, ensuring that consumers can readily summon the brand when they require its products or services.

One trending story that showcases the power of a name is the famous Indian cosmetic brand "Lakmé. The inspiration behind the brand name came from the French opera "Lakmé" composed by Léo Delibes. By incorporating this French influence into the name, the brand infused it with an exotic value that resonates with consumers. This subtle twist added an intriguing and distinctive flair to the traditional Indian name "Lakshmi," which holds great cultural significance as the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

In a similar vein, my daughter name, of Garhwali origin, was spelled as “Phuli”. With a zing of Italian influence, we subtly changed it to “Feuli”. This modification not only made the name unique but also retained its ease of pronunciation. Her name often garners compliments, and it has a high recall value

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Another trend gaining popularity is the combination of parents' names to create a unique name for their child. This practice adds a personal and a unique touch, tying up the child’s identity firmly with their own. While this trend may seem contemporary, it is not entirely new, take for example, "Voltas." Voltas, India's largest air conditioning company, emerged from the collaboration between Tata Sons and Volkart Brothers in 1954. By merging the names of these two entities, Voltas became a distinctive and powerful brand name, embodying the expertise and reputation of both companies.

In the realm of premium bathroom fittings and sanitaryware, the brand "Jaquar" exemplifies the art of name creation. Contrary to popular belief, "Jaquar" is not a mere variation of the word "Jaguar." According to Rajesh Mehra, Director and Promoter of Jaquar Group, the name "Jaquar" was formed by combining "Jai Kaur," a tribute to their mother, with the word "aqua" to signify the importance of water in bathroom fittings. This fusion of elements adds a personal touch to the brand while emphasizing its commitment to quality and innovation.

Names have the power to capture individuality, evoke emotions, and create a lasting impression. They serve as a medium for expressing creativity, honoring cultural influences, and adding personal touches that make each name unique and memorable. However, it's important to remember that a name is just the beginning. To truly stand out, whether as a person or a brand, integrity, value, and quality must shine through. The name serves as the foundation upon which the essence and reputation of an individual or a brand are built, representing their purpose and promise to the world.

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