Starbucks, one of the most well-known coffee chains in the world, has a fascinating origin story that many people are unfamiliar with. The story of how Starbucks got its name recently came to light when a Reddit user posed the question “Where did the name ‘Starbucks’ come from?” This question led to various responses, some of which inaccurately claimed that the founder, Robert K. Johnson, was inspired by childhood deer hunting trips with his grandfather. However, this was not the case, as Starbucks was actually founded by Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl.
The real founders of Starbucks arrived at the name of the company in a more circuitous manner. In 1971, Baldwin, Bowker, and Siegl enlisted the help of artist Terry Sheckler to define their brand. They wanted a name that suggested adventure, a connection to the Northwest, and a link to the seafaring tradition of early coffee traders. Bowker initially proposed naming the coffee shop “Pequod,” after the ship in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” However, this suggestion was not well-received, as the name “Pee-kwod” did not have a universal appeal.
After rejecting the name “Pequod,” the founders and the artist went back to their original literary inspiration. During research, they came across the name “Starbo,” which ultimately led them to the name Starbucks. The name was inspired by the character Starbuck, the first mate on the Pequod in “Moby-Dick.” This connection to a famous literary character helped create a strong brand identity for the coffee shop, tying it to the seafaring tradition they wanted to convey.
To complement the maritime theme of the company, the artist chose to make the mascot a topless mermaid, inspired by an old wood carving of a sea siren. When Starbucks was purchased by Howard Shultz in 1987, the new owners opted to keep the logo but redesigned it to be less risqué. This redesign resulted in the G-rated logo that is recognized around the world today. This decision allowed Starbucks to retain its unique brand identity while making adjustments to better appeal to a wider audience.
The story of how Starbucks got its name is a fascinating blend of literary inspiration, creative collaboration, and a desire to create a brand that evoked the spirit of adventure and the seafaring tradition. Despite the misinformation that had circulated about the origin of the name, the true story behind Starbucks’ name showcases the thoughtfulness and creativity that went into establishing one of the most iconic coffee chains in the world. From its humble beginnings in Seattle’s Pike Place Market to its global presence today, Starbucks continues to embody the values and traditions that inspired its founders.
