Names With Mileage
Gearheads may have trouble settling on names for the future occupant of their carseat. Like all names referencing brands or specific media, automotive-inspired names can feel on-the-nose and get dated easily. After all, Audi sounds like a nickname for Audrey, Mitsubishi is a bit long for daily use, and Tesla has a....complicated public image. Here are 20 potential names that are subtle enough for daily use yet still recognizable for brand loyalty.
1. Alexis
Alexis is one of the more subtle names on this list, more car-adjacent than directly referential. The Lexus brand creates luxury cars on the lower end of the budget. Popular thanks to Dynasty character Alexis, this name would has a quietly luxurious sound to it.
2. Aston
One of the most iconic cars in cinema history is James Bond's Aston Martin DB5. First appearing in Goldfinger, this car is almost as much of a legend as its driver. Aston is a great, streamlined alternative to similar names such as Asher and Ashton.
3. Avalon
To briefly step away from luxury brands, the Toyota Avalon is beloved for its comfort and efficiency among sedans. While the Avalon was unfortunately discontinued in 2023, its name can live on. The car was named after a legendary island in Arthurian mythology, which adds an air of mystery.
4. Carrera
Carrera means "speed" in Spanish, which we think is perfect for this speedy coup. Porsche first introduced their 911 model in 1963 as a stylish update for the 356B. The carrera is the the archetypal Porsche most people think about when they hear the name.
David Villarreal Fernández on Wikimedia
5. Chevy
Chevrolet's reputation for dependability and iconic branding have made it a titan in American pop culture. The full name may be a little on-the-nose for your little driver, but Chevy is just right. In comparison to the European and Asian brands on this list, Chevy is an all-American name your baby can wear with pride.
6. Clio
Named for the Greek muse of history, the Renault Clio is one of Europe's top-selling cars since it was launched in 1990. This supermini helped restore Renault's reputation and is well-known for its style and safety. Clio is a lovely name with a subtle nod to European engineering.
7. Cruze
Cruze is one cool name. In addition to sounding like the word "cruise", the Chevy cruze was good on gas and easy to handle. It may be discontinued, but the coolness of the name can live on forever.
8. Enzo
If you have a need for speed, then Enzo should be at the top of your list. Not only did Enzo Ferrari found the racing division that shares his name, he also led Ferrari to victory 13 times! Enzo has been gaining popularity in the US Top 100 over the past few years, perhaps due to F1's increasing popularity.
9. Ford
The founder of Ford Motors, Henry Ford, was one of the richest Americans in history, which is no surprise given the brand's popularity. Through his pioneering use of the assembly line, Ford made automobiles accessible to everyone. This is a good, strong name and we hope that a bit of Ford's business acumen will inspire your little one.
10. Herbie
The Love Bug first drove off of the screen and into people's hearts in the 1968 film of the same name. The combination of this iconic piece of 60s imagery with Herbie's lovable personality made the film an instant sensation. So-called "grandpa" names like Silas and Theodore all are the rage now, so maybe Herbie will ride again.
Joshua Livingston from Dunsmuir, CA, US on Wikimedia
11. Kia
Korea's second-largest automotive manufacturer takes its name from two characters, roughly translating to "Rising from Asia". Kia's brand is all about appearing to younger consumers, in comparison to some of the stalwart favorites on this list. With catchy marketing and facial-like grilles, Kia's adolescent ambitions make it the perfect choice for a baby.
Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
12. Lincoln
When most people hear the name "Lincoln" they automatically think of the president and, honestly, they're not too far off as far as cars are concerned. For more than fifty years, Lincolns were used as the official state limousines. Lincoln makes big, bold cars whose premium interiors and customizable seating make the, one of the best American luxury brands on the market.
13. Martin
The second half of this legendary British brand's name comes from the Roman god of war. A classic in every sense of the word, Martin would fit right in with other surnames-turned-first names like Harrison and Sterling. For Bond fans across the pond, this classy name would help your little ones stand out from the crowd.
14. Mercedes
Mercedes, meaning "mercies" is Spanish, has been used as a feminine name long before the Mercedes-Benz brand came into being. However, the brand's reputation as a luxury brand unafraid of innovation certainly can't hurt any associations.
15. Minnie
With its distinctive two-door design and use in the epic closing chase of The Italian Job, the Mini Cooper series remains among the most recognizable brands in the world. Like Herbie, the Mini has taken on a life of its own, without being able to speak a word. The compact design, virtually unchanged since its introduction would make this a perfect name for a pint-sized powerhouse.
16. Portia
Okay, maybe spelling it Porsche would be closer to the original German pronunciation, but most people who casually talk about this brand use this pronunciation. A classy name for a classy baby, this spelling mixes the strong femininity of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice with the masculine cool of the classic Porsche roadster.
17. Renault
The world's best-selling French automotive brand is also one of the oldest in operation, founded all the way back in 1899. Producing everything from trucks to tanks to airplanes, Renault is a brand that is constantly reinventing itself and moving the finish line a little farther back for everyone else.
18. Royce
Royce, meaning "son of the king" is fitting for a brand whose Silver Ghost model was called "the best car in the world" by Autocar. Seeing the sort of ultra-luxe cars this brand produces, this high praise is no surprise. Range makes some of the best cars money can buy, and doesn't your future driver deserve the best.
19. Shelby
Dramatized in the Oscar-winning film Ford v Ferrari, driver and designer Carroll Shelby developed the only American-built car to ever win at Le Mans. Whether he was behind the wheel or designing for it, Shelby's legacy and collaborations with Ford and Dodge showed that American cars could compete on a global scale. While most commonly used as a feminine name, we think that Shelby could return to its Old Norse roots with a baby boy.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
20. Sonata
Hyundai's Stellar model with a facelift, the Sonata has been one of the Korean brand's top sellers since its introduction. While never unpopular, the latest model of the Sonata has had a surge in popularity attributed to its design straight out of Robocop. Taking its name from the musical term, Sonata would fit right in with lyrical names such as Allegra and Melody.
