Why and How do you choose the name of your car??

jaysmokesleaves · 26th April 2010, 20:14

We all love our cars. For some its a first car in the house, or a first purchase. For some its giving shape and feel to a long cherished dream. For some its passion and the joy of ownership, for some its an acquisition.
Behind all of this lies a sentiment and an emotion which prompts many owners to name their cars.

Going through the Test drives and ownership thread over the months, ive seen about atleast 50 names, where people have named their cars. From rational names to funny to downright absurd.

Below are some names I found on this forum. No offence meant to any of the owners, whose beloved's have been named below.

Black donkey.
Panther.
Green ghost.
Monster.
Shrek II.
Red dragon.
Last warrior- outtie.
Roadrunner.
Vikram.
Hariya.
Prince.
Beastmaster.
Dark knight.
Iceberg.
Soulmate.
Red hot chilli paprika.
Basanti.
The Paprika.
Starship enterprise.
Ghost.
Soulmate.
Blue monster. Red monster.
White giant.
Bull.
Horse.

Through this thread I want to find out :
Why would you want to name your car?
What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name?
What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle.. for example.. 1.2 Figo = Black donkey..? and Iceberg = Punto. Vikram = Nano & Hariya = Scorpio, Beastmaster = Safari..!!
And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them?

I again repeat, this is not a bashing thread to poke fun at anyone or their sentiments.

Cheers,

Jay

MODS; If such a thread already exists, please merge. I assume this thread is in the right section.

CarCzar · 26th April 2010, 20:21

Well its as simple as we name our pets, our dear ones and our enemies ...
To identify something and try to co-relate it with the feeling you want to express.

sachinj12 · 26th April 2010, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysmokesleaves

Why would you want to name your car?

Personification.

What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name?

Again personification. Easier to relate to a living thing than to a non living entity. The other day I was cursing for all the scratches on the car and was saying, " Don't worry chap, will get a scratch remover and wax you up. You will be back to normal". Mom heard me muttering and thought I had lost it

What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle?

I call my car Ralph. Because Ralph was my fav character in Ninja Turtle Series.

And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them?

With the closest of my friends and who are car junkies like us

.
I again repeat, this is not a bashing thread to poke fun at anyone or their sentiments.

My replies are in bold. Wait till few of our fellow mates come out with their versions. This will make a awesome thread. Rated 5 star.

OT: Why is this thread in Test drive section?

gr8guzzler · 26th April 2010, 20:56

Hahaha, nice thread.

Frankly I never named my previous vehicles, but since I have been part of this forum, I have seen many folks using a name and expressing their deep love for their rides. That was the motivation behind me naming my new car - PaNtHeR.

Why PaNtHeR? Well it's black and the manufacturer color name was Panther Black, so it was a easy choice for me.

I only refer to it by name with my family and close friends.

gaddiwale · 26th April 2010, 21:25

Why most of owner's given an english name to their cars?

Digital Vampire · 26th April 2010, 21:28

Woe to You Oh Earth and Sea
for the Devil sends the beast with wrath
because he knows the time is short
Let him who have understanding
reckon the number of the beast
for it is a human number
its number is six hundred and sixty six.

In case the Iron Maiden lyrics did not ring any bells: My Hyundai Tucson's registration number is 666 and hence "The Beast".

starter · 26th April 2010, 22:11

Jay,
Awesome thread!
I have named every vehicle i've owned till now :P
I bought my Bullet first and call it Sheroo.
So, when Gypsy came home, it was named Veeroo (it rhymes

)

Coming to your questions:
Why would you want to name your car?
I feel more closer to my car this way. Also, i completely agree with Sachin.

What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name?
I think i've answered it above. I feel that all cars and bikes have life. When i miss a pot-hole or drive bad, i generally say sorry to my car. It is just that connection, i guess.

What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle.
Not sure about this one Jay!

And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them?
Honestly, not with everybody. Only with parents, wifey and maybe the closest of friends (petrol head breed basically)

Cheers,
Deepak

PS: If you listen to the names of wifey's alto/honda-dio, you would fall off your chair laughing.

Dreamy · 26th April 2010, 22:30

Lovely thread,
I have named my swift Blackmamba, she even has a sticker on front bumper.
Why would you want to name your car?
we call over loved ones with cute/pet names
What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name?
I'm a animal lover and i own a black swift, black mamba is worlds fastest snake,

What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle..
Black mamba is fast and quick to strike, but i don't drive my vehicle fast.

And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them?
yes of-course, my wife, bros and friends refer my car with the same name, BlackMamba

neoonwheels · 27th April 2010, 11:59

Nice thread guys. I had named my Silver Palio "ShadowFax" (Taken from LOTR). However I am not able to name my new Black Punto. Help me guys

.

ghodlur · 27th April 2010, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoonwheels

Nice thread guys. I had named my Silver Palio "ShadowFax" (Taken from LOTR). However I am not able to name my new Black Punto. Help me guys

.

How about "Night rider"

neoonwheels · 27th April 2010, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghodlur

How about "Night rider"

It sounds tooooo much similar to KKR team which I dont like at all [

]

tsk1979 · 27th April 2010, 13:14

Yup, lots of names, but I cannot figure out why would somebody call the car a black donkey

jaysmokesleaves · 27th April 2010, 13:24

@tsk > if im right, your Safari was born as a horse and grew up as a donkey and has matured into a white elephant!!

No offence meant buddy!! All those names seem totally justified.

But yes.., Black donkey had me completely stumped!!

The sentiment part I can understand to some extent. But this sentiment I would have for something thats real vintage class. Like our old 1966 fiat. Something that has been in the family long enough to be part of the occasion called life and has seen 3 generations. Or a car with which you share a particular experience.
A car that has got you out unscathed from an accident and still stands in your garage. That's special. There is a lot of sentiment to that name!
This was just one of the many sentiments that we have.

Live To Jive · 27th April 2010, 13:25

I find the idea of naming a car stupid. I never name my cars or TV, phone etc.

tsk1979 · 27th April 2010, 13:29

How could you ever think of putting car and TV in same category!!

26th April 2010, 20:14	#1
jaysmokesleaves Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mostly Mumbai Posts: 1,702 Thanked: 1,452 Times	Why and How do you choose the name of your car?? We all love our cars. For some its a first car in the house, or a first purchase. For some its giving shape and feel to a long cherished dream. For some its passion and the joy of ownership, for some its an acquisition. Behind all of this lies a sentiment and an emotion which prompts many owners to name their cars. Going through the Test drives and ownership thread over the months, ive seen about atleast 50 names, where people have named their cars. From rational names to funny to downright absurd. Below are some names I found on this forum. No offence meant to any of the owners, whose beloved's have been named below. Black donkey. Panther. Green ghost. Monster. Shrek II. Red dragon. Last warrior- outtie. Roadrunner. Vikram. Hariya. Prince. Beastmaster. Dark knight. Iceberg. Soulmate. Red hot chilli paprika. Basanti. The Paprika. Starship enterprise. Ghost. Soulmate. Blue monster. Red monster. White giant. Bull. Horse. Through this thread I want to find out : Why would you want to name your car? What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name? What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle.. for example.. 1.2 Figo = Black donkey..? and Iceberg = Punto. Vikram = Nano & Hariya = Scorpio, Beastmaster = Safari..!! And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them? I again repeat, this is not a bashing thread to poke fun at anyone or their sentiments. Cheers, Jay MODS; If such a thread already exists, please merge. I assume this thread is in the right section. Last edited by aah78 : 26th April 2010 at 23:04. Reason: Moved to Shifting Gears.
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 20:21	#2
CarCzar BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 36 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Well its as simple as we name our pets, our dear ones and our enemies ... To identify something and try to co-relate it with the feeling you want to express.
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 20:56	#4
gr8guzzler BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Navi Mumbai Posts: 653 Thanked: 87 Times View My Garage	Hahaha, nice thread. Frankly I never named my previous vehicles, but since I have been part of this forum, I have seen many folks using a name and expressing their deep love for their rides. That was the motivation behind me naming my new car - PaNtHeR. Why PaNtHeR? Well it's black and the manufacturer color name was Panther Black, so it was a easy choice for me. I only refer to it by name with my family and close friends.
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 21:25	#5
gaddiwale BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 399 Thanked: 77 Times	Why most of owner's given an english name to their cars?
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 21:28	#6
Digital Vampire BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Utopia! Posts: 595 Thanked: 105 Times	Woe to You Oh Earth and Sea for the Devil sends the beast with wrath because he knows the time is short Let him who have understanding reckon the number of the beast for it is a human number its number is six hundred and sixty six. In case the Iron Maiden lyrics did not ring any bells: My Hyundai Tucson's registration number is 666 and hence "The Beast".
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 22:11	#7
starter Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,127 Thanked: 903 Times	Jay, Awesome thread! I have named every vehicle i've owned till now :P I bought my Bullet first and call it Sheroo. So, when Gypsy came home, it was named Veeroo (it rhymes ) Coming to your questions: Why would you want to name your car? I feel more closer to my car this way. Also, i completely agree with Sachin. What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name? I think i've answered it above. I feel that all cars and bikes have life. When i miss a pot-hole or drive bad, i generally say sorry to my car. It is just that connection, i guess. What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle. Not sure about this one Jay! And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them? Honestly, not with everybody. Only with parents, wifey and maybe the closest of friends (petrol head breed basically) Cheers, Deepak PS: If you listen to the names of wifey's alto/honda-dio, you would fall off your chair laughing.
	() Thanks

26th April 2010, 22:30	#8
Dreamy BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: bangalore Posts: 39 Thanked: 3 Times	Lovely thread, I have named my swift Blackmamba, she even has a sticker on front bumper. Why would you want to name your car? we call over loved ones with cute/pet names What is the emotion and sentiment behind such a name? I'm a animal lover and i own a black swift, black mamba is worlds fastest snake, What is the connection between such a name and the vehicle.. Black mamba is fast and quick to strike, but i don't drive my vehicle fast. And do you actually refer to your cars with these names when you discuss them? yes of-course, my wife, bros and friends refer my car with the same name, BlackMamba
	() Thanks

27th April 2010, 11:59	#9
neoonwheels Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pune Posts: 2,065 Thanked: 1,877 Times View My Garage	Nice thread guys. I had named my Silver Palio "ShadowFax" (Taken from LOTR). However I am not able to name my new Black Punto. Help me guys .
	() Thanks

27th April 2010, 13:14	#12
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	Yup, lots of names, but I cannot figure out why would somebody call the car a black donkey
	() Thanks

27th April 2010, 13:24	#13
jaysmokesleaves Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mostly Mumbai Posts: 1,702 Thanked: 1,452 Times	@tsk > if im right, your Safari was born as a horse and grew up as a donkey and has matured into a white elephant!! No offence meant buddy!! All those names seem totally justified. But yes.., Black donkey had me completely stumped!! The sentiment part I can understand to some extent. But this sentiment I would have for something thats real vintage class. Like our old 1966 fiat. Something that has been in the family long enough to be part of the occasion called life and has seen 3 generations. Or a car with which you share a particular experience. A car that has got you out unscathed from an accident and still stands in your garage. That's special. There is a lot of sentiment to that name! This was just one of the many sentiments that we have. Last edited by jaysmokesleaves : 27th April 2010 at 13:33.
	() Thanks

27th April 2010, 13:25	#14
Live To Jive BANNED Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Swindon, UK Posts: 698 Thanked: 89 Times	I find the idea of naming a car stupid. I never name my cars or TV, phone etc.
	() Thanks

27th April 2010, 13:29	#15
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,825 Times View My Garage	How could you ever think of putting car and TV in same category!!
	() Thanks