Factonama: Joomla

Joomla, the content management system brand, derives its name from the Anglicised version of the Arabic word Jumla which means 'all together'. Probably the open source origins, influenced the choice. Or may be since the name itself was a colloborative effort of so many people.

List of pen brand names

Add Gel
Aurora
Bic
Bril
Camel
Caran D'Ache
Cartier
Cello
Chelpark
Cross
Curtis Australia
David Oscarson
Delta
Ducati
Faber Castell
Fisher
Flair
Hero
Jac Zagoory
Jaguar
Jean Pierre Lepin
Jetter
Krone
Lamy
Libelle
Linc
Luxor
Mercedes
Michel Perchin
Mont Blanc
Montegrappa
Monteverde
Montex
Namiki
Omas
Papermate
Parker
Pelikan
Pilot
Porsche Design
Quill
Reynolds
Rotomac
Rotring
Sensa
Sharpie
Sheafer
S T Dupont
Stic
Today
Uniball
Visconti
Waterford
Waterman
Zebra

Sunami and Tsunami

There's a Sanskrit word called Sunami. Me thinks, it will make a great name for a naming company. Decoded it means 'well named'. But the only hitch is the acoustics. Sunami seems like a Siamese twin of Tsunami. And that can be a huge problem in India. Because the word Tsunami evokes the imagery of a cosmic dance of death. Too bad.

To all those who won't pay for names

A lot of people write to me asking for a name. I often tell them, I do pro bono work for NGOs. But I will never do charity for a business that leverages a name for profit.

My logic is simple. A name is the 1-word story of your offering. It's not easy to create a 1-word story that's never been told.

Even if one were to coin something unique for you, remember, it has to pass the memorability test. Any namer worth his namak will tell you, this is never easy. It takes a lot of effort and research.

As much effort as creating a logo or campaign. So to expect me to give it to you for free, is a tad too unfair. Right?