Up & running again...

I've started blogging again. On names and brand names. In a place, we call Nama Sutra. Be there, if you like a think.

The last post

Life's got too hectic. So I am closing the tap. You can catch me at my website. Adios.

A very icky name

Dentsu India has launched Iki, a creative boutique. Apparently Iki means chic in Japanese. Funnily, Iki sounds very icky to the English ear. Is anyone at Dentsu listening?

A brand that means the same in Spanish & Tamil

Did you know that Chupa Chups is derived from the Spanish word 'Chupar' that means 'to suck'? I am sure you didn't. Did you also know that the Tamil word 'chuppardhu' means 'to suck'? Funny, ain't it?

Sticky Post

Thought of a nice name today for a possible adhesive brand. Got to find a taker for it. The name has longlasting cues and is suitably controversial. What's more, the dotcom domain is available. The coinage is Glueteus Maximus. Anyone interested?

Fun way to choose brand name

1. Pick your telephone directory.
2. Randomly flip pages.
3. Read out names (street name or person's name) listed aloud.
4. Shortlist 100 names that sound exotic.
5. Check domain name availabity.
6. Filter down the shortlist to one name you like.

The telephone directory technique was used by no less a company than Proctor & Gamble. They arrived at the name Pringles using this interesting procedure. So it's tried & tested. Why not give it a shot?

Love this name

Namewire features the travails of a Michigan restaurant originally named Mother Cluckers. William Lozito of Name Development labels this name as distasteful. I disagree. Mother Cluckers rocks. It's got spice and is suitably controversial. It's an either you like it or hate it kinda name. Unfortunately the owner didn't see the potential in the name. He dropped it for a much watered down Smokin' Chicken. I think the man made a mistake. He lost a hen that could have laid golden eggs.