Ever wondered why it's called Starbucks? Turns out it has to do with an old mining map, a specific sound and a classic book.
How Did Starbucks Get Its Name? The Real Story Might Surprise You
Updated on Mar. 14, 2018
Starbucks is one of the world’s largest chains, with 16,700 stores nationwide (trailing right behind McDonalds and Subway!). With a new store opening every single day, we’re seeing more and more of that famous mermaid logo paired with the bold Starbucks name. No one can deny that it’s a pretty good place to pick up your salted caramel mocha or iced caffe latte, but the meaning behind the branding has always been shrouded in mystery.
Break out your reusable mug and fill up on more Starbucks copycat recipes, here.
So where did co-founders Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin and Zev Siegl get the name?
They started with a simple goal: find a company name that starts with “st.” Advertising specialists had suggested that st words were powerful, so the three founders began sifting through whatever material they could find. Someone pulled out an old mining map and found a small town called Starbo. From there, co-founder Gordon Bowker thought immediately of Moby-Dick.
There’s a character in the classic book named Starbuck, Captain Ahab’s first mate and no-nonsense crew member of the Pequod. In the book, he’s known for his quiet nature and moral goodness. Unlike the coffee company named after him, however, he’s not the type to indulge. An online study guide for Moby-Dick even joked, “If Starbucks were Starbuck, you’d only ever get a tall coffee with 2% milk.” According to the company website, Starbucks chose this name because it evokes “the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders.”
Fun fact: The founders debated using the name Pequod after the famous ship in Moby-Dick. That is, until they noticed how unappealing a “cup of Pequod” sounded.
How does the mysterious green logo tie in?
The mermaid-type figure gracing the front of our favorite cups is meant to be a seductive sea siren, representing the brand’s nautical theme. She’s not really connected to the literary character Starbuck at all, but now she has been forever associated with the company’s powerful name.
The next time you find yourself stepping into a Starbucks location, you’ll have a better idea of where that interesting name came from. It might be confusing, but hey! It’s the perfect story to tell your friends over a couple chai lattes.
Check Out These Homemade Coffee Shop Drinks
Frothy Cafe BombonI discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
This chocolate coffee recipe is sure to be the highlight of your morning!
Easy Spiced Morning MochaThis recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Irish CoffeeIrish coffee, with a splash of Irish whiskey, sugar and cream, is a classic recipe for a reason. Cozy up with this easy-to-make boozy treat. Sláinte!
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesThis smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Iced Coffee LatteThis amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Coconut Lover's FrappeI love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Sweet Kahlua CoffeeI have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Frosty Caramel CappuccinoThis frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Honey Spiced LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Hazelnut CoffeeThe blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Irish Cream CoffeeA steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Hot Ginger CoffeeI like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
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