Amazon: what's in a name? The story of how Jeff Bezos named his company

Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, is a household name in today's world. But have you ever wondered how the company got its name? It turns out that there's an interesting story behind it, involving its founder Jeff Bezos and his love for language and books.

Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 in his garage in Seattle, with the vision of creating an online bookstore that would eventually sell everything under the sun. At the time, the internet was still in its early days, and e-commerce was virtually non-existent. However, Bezos was convinced that the internet had the potential to revolutionize the way we shop, and he was determined to make it happen.

But before Bezos could start building his online store, he needed a name for it. He considered several options, including "Cadabra," as in "abracadabra," but eventually settled on "Amazon." So why did he choose that name?

According to Bezos, he wanted a name that was "exotic and different" and conveyed the idea of something vast and limitless. He also wanted a name that would start with the letter "A" so that it would appear at the top of alphabetical lists, such as Yellow Pages. He eventually settled on "Amazon" after looking up words in the dictionary and coming across the word "Amazonia," which refers to the region around the Amazon River in South America.

But there was another reason why Bezos was drawn to the name "Amazon." In an interview with Wired magazine, he explained that he had always been fascinated by the Amazon River because of its size, power, and diversity. He saw it as a symbol of growth, and he wanted his company to be just as ambitious and expansive.

However, not everyone was thrilled with the name. According to legend, when Bezos first told his lawyer and early investors that he had chosen "Amazon" as the name for his company, they were skeptical. They reportedly told him that it sounded like "amazing," but also like "amazoom," which they thought sounded like a cheesy, made-up word. Despite their concerns, Bezos stuck with the name, and it has since become one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

In addition to its evocative name, Amazon has also become known for its innovative culture and relentless focus on customer service. Bezos famously instituted the "empty chair" policy, which requires that every meeting have an empty chair to represent the customer, and he has often said that the key to Amazon's success is its willingness to experiment and take risks.

Today, Amazon sells everything from books and electronics to groceries and home goods, and it has expanded into new areas such as streaming media and cloud computing. Its name may have been inspired by a river, but the company has become a force of nature in its own right, transforming the way we shop and live our lives.One of the interesting things about the name "Amazon" is that it has multiple meanings and connotations. For example, the Amazon River is known for its diversity of plant and animal life, which is reflected in the vast array of products that Amazon sells. The name also invokes the image of female warriors from Greek mythology, which ties into the company's bold and ambitious spirit.

In addition to the name "Amazon," Bezos initially considered other names like "Relentless" and actually purchased the domain name relentless.com, which still redirects to Amazon.com today. It's said that Bezos was so enamored with the name that he had to be talked out of using it as the company's official name.

As Amazon grew in popularity and influence, the company's name became synonymous with e-commerce and online shopping. Amazon's success has been fueled by its commitment to customer satisfaction, fast shipping, and competitive prices. The company has also leveraged its vast resources to invest in new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics, which have allowed it to expand into new areas like autonomous delivery and smart homes.

Today, Amazon is one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $1 trillion. It employs more than 1.3 million people globally and operates in dozens of countries. Despite its enormous size and influence, Amazon continues to innovate and experiment, always striving to stay ahead of the curve and meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.

In conclusion, the story behind the name "Amazon" reveals a lot about Jeff Bezos's vision for his company and his love for language and books. The name evokes the image of a powerful and expansive river, as well as the idea of female warriors from Greek mythology. It has become a symbol of Amazon's ambition and diversity, and a testament to the company's willingness to take risks and pursue innovation. Ultimately, the name "Amazon" has become synonymous with e-commerce and online shopping, and it will likely remain a part of our cultural lexicon for years to come.