How did Chevy get their name?
Chevrolet’s name comes from Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss-born race car driver who co-founded the company that would become part of General Motors. The brand’s familiar shorthand—“Chevy”—sprang from that surname and has endured as a global automotive identity.
In this article we trace the origins of the name, the people behind it, and how the label evolved from a founder’s surname into a major car brand under General Motors, including how the nickname became part of everyday language for car buyers around the world.
Origins of the name
Louis Chevrolet, born December 25, 1878, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, was a celebrated race car driver and engineer who immigrated to the United States. In 1911 he teamed with William C. Durant to found the Chevrolet Motor Company in Detroit, naming the venture after Louis’s surname.
Louis Chevrolet: the man behind the name
Chevrolet’s racing pedigree and engineering savvy lent credibility to the new enterprise. His reputation helped attract attention to a company that aimed to produce reliable, performance-minded cars at a competitive price point.
From surname to brand
The Chevrolet Motor Company produced its first cars in 1912, including the Classic Six. In 1913 the brand formally adopted the Chevrolet name and introduced the emblem later known as the bowtie. In 1918 General Motors gained a controlling interest, integrating Chevrolet into GM’s lineup as a major volume brand. The nickname “Chevy” emerged as a friendly shorthand for Chevrolet and has persisted in both advertising and everyday speech ever since.
Key milestones in the naming and branding of Chevrolet are summarized below.
Below is a concise list of the pivotal moments that shaped the brand’s name and identity:
- 1911: Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant establish the Chevrolet Motor Company in Detroit, naming the venture after Louis Chevrolet.
- 1913: The brand adopts the Chevrolet name officially and introduces the bowtie emblem as its logo.
- 1918: General Motors gains a controlling interest in Chevrolet, integrating it into GM’s corporate family as a core volume brand.
These milestones illustrate how a founder’s surname evolved into a global automotive name and how the brand grew within a corporate framework.
Summary
In essence, Chevy derives from Louis Chevrolet, the Swiss-born racer who co-founded the company in 1911. The name endured as Chevrolet became part of General Motors, and the informal nickname “Chevy” became a durable, widely recognized shorthand for the brand.
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.
Why was Chevrolet called Chevy?
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.
Does the Chevrolet family still own Chevrolet?
The History of Chevrolet
While GM owns Chevy now, that wasn't always the case. Chevy was co-founded as an independent company by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant on November 3, 1911.
What was Chevy called before?
Chevy was initially founded in Detroit, Michigan. And by 1918, General Motors purchased Chevrolet. This was then formally known as the Chevrolet Division of General Motors Company. This brand has been a divisional branch since its original purchase over 100 years ago.
