How did Chevy get his name?
Chevy's name comes from Louis Chevrolet, the Swiss-born racer who co-founded the automobile company that bears his surname; the nickname “Chevy” developed from his last name and has stuck as informal shorthand for Chevrolet vehicles.
Origins of the namesake
Louis Chevrolet (1870–1941) was a Swiss-born race car driver and automotive engineer who came to the United States and helped establish what would become the Chevrolet Motor Company in 1911, alongside William C. Durant. The brand’s formal name honored him by using his surname on the cars from the outset.
Louis Chevrolet: a racer and engineer
Chevrolet built a reputation as a skilled driver and designer in both European and American racing circles before turning his experience toward manufacturing. His technical background helped shape the early lineup and the marketing appeal of the fledgling company.
The naming moment: Chevrolet Motor Company and the birth of the brand
The decision to name the company Chevrolet honored its co-founder, Louis Chevrolet, with the marque carrying his surname. In 1918, General Motors would acquire a controlling stake in Chevrolet, but the name and identity of the brand—distinctively Chevrolet—remained intact and continued to grow as a major GM division.
Milestones in the naming story provide a concise arc from founder to brand to enduring nickname. The following list highlights those moments.
- 1911: The Chevrolet Motor Company is founded by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant to manufacture automobiles.
- The brand name uses Louis Chevrolet's surname, signaling a direct connection to the founder.
- 1912–1918: Chevrolet cars establish the brand's identity and begin to compete seriously in the American market.
- 1918: General Motors acquires Chevrolet, ensuring the marque's place within a growing corporate empire.
- Early to mid-20th century: The informal nickname "Chevy" begins to appear in advertisements and everyday speech, enduring as a friendly shorthand for Chevrolet vehicles.
These milestones show how a founder’s name became a global automotive brand and how a casual nickname emerged to accompany the official title.
Usage in modern times
Today, Chevrolet remains the formal brand name, covering a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs. The nickname "Chevy" is still widely used by fans, dealers, and media alike, reflecting a long-standing cultural shorthand that began decades ago.
Summary: The name origin is straightforward—Louis Chevrolet’s surname provided the formal brand name, while the nickname “Chevy” emerged as a popular, affectionate shorthand that endures in everyday language and branding.
How did Chevy get its name?
Chevrolet got its name from its co-founder, the Swiss-American race car driver Louis Chevrolet. William C. Durant suggested using Chevrolet's last name for the Chevrolet Motor Company, which they founded together in 1911.
- Co-founder: Louis Chevrolet was a well-known and successful race car driver whose fame helped establish the brand's reputation for performance.
- Company founding: Durant had a vision for a new car company and partnered with the popular driver to create the Chevrolet Motor Company.
- The name: The name is a direct tribute to Louis Chevrolet, and it has been used for the brand ever since its founding.
What is the origin of the name Chevy?
Chevrolet is called Chevy because it was named after co-founder Louis Chevrolet, and "Chevy" is a natural and affectionate nickname that evolved for everyday use. The nickname became popular because "Chevrolet" is a bit of a mouthful, and "Chevy" is easier to say, while still paying tribute to the Swiss-American race car driver and visionary engineer who co-founded the company with William C. Durant.
- Co-founder: The company was founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet, a famous Swiss-American race car driver, and William C. Durant.
- Marketing strategy: Naming the company after a well-known racing legend like Louis Chevrolet was a marketing strategy to add prestige and allure to the brand.
- Nickname evolution: While the full name is a tribute, "Chevy" is a shortened, everyday version that naturally evolved and was quickly embraced by the public.
Is Chevy Chase related to the Vanderbilts?
No, Chevy Chase is not a Vanderbilt; he is the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane, who was a grandson of the original Cornelius Vanderbilt. While his maternal grandfather was a Vanderbilt, Chevy Chase's adoption was complicated, and he did not have the Vanderbilt last name.
- Family connection: Chevy Chase's mother, Cathalene Parker Crane, was adopted by Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane, who was the son of Cornelius Vanderbilt's grandson.
- Name change: Crane adopted his wife's daughter Cathalene in 1929. However, after their divorce in 1940, he disinherited her.
- Family name: After her disinheritance, Cathalene Parker Crane married Edward Tinsley Chase, and her son took on the Chase surname, Chevy Chase.
- Family tree: The family tree of Chevy Chase goes back to the Vanderbilt family through his maternal grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane.
Where did Chevy get his name?
Co-founder Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss race car driver, lent his surname to the budding automobile company. While 'Chevrolet' reflected the brand's commitment to quality, luxury, and performance, it was a bit of a mouthful for everyday conversation. Thus, the nickname 'Chevy' naturally evolved and was quickly embraced.
