7 Famous Global Companies That Changed Their Names

Zee Media Bureau
Oct 16, 2023

Amazon

In July 1994, its owner Jeff Bezoz registered the company in Washington state under the name Cadabra. However, the name was changed to Amazon after a few months.

Google

Initially called BackRub. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the company's founders, realized the name was unsuitable by 1997. Later, they changed the name to "Google" to better reflect the vast quantity of information they planned to organize—a wordplay on the word "googol."

PayPal

A software company called Confinity created a system for sending money between mobile devices. The company was renamed PayPal after merging with Elon Musk-founded online banking company X.com.

Netflix

Prior to its debut, the video streaming service was known as Kibble. Marc Randolph, one of its co-founders, realized that the beta version's name was actually unsuitable. Before deciding on Netflix, he eventually considered names like "Webflix," "TakeOne," and "NetPix."

Instagram

Prior to its debut, the video streaming service was known as Kibble. Marc Randolph, one of its co-founders, realized that the beta version's name was actually unsuitable. Before deciding on Netflix, he eventually considered names like "Webflix," "TakeOne," and "NetPix."

Nike

The company co-founded by Phil Knight originally went under the brand name Blue Ribbon Sports when it first formed. They changed their name to Nike, Inc. in 1971 to reflect their focus on athletic footwear and gear and to pay homage to the Greek goddess of Victory.

Altaba

The other assets, which included Yahoo's interest in Alibaba Group and Yahoo Japan, were renamed as Altaba Inc. after Verizon purchased Yahoo's core internet company in 2017.

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