What’s in a name? Where do I begin? Your moniker is part of your identity, and is oftentimes the first and fastest way through which you are perceived. When it comes to building a brand, naming is an integral part of the process.

People often ask us how our company name came to be. BostInno is a combination of “Boston” and “innovation”–two things that comprise the very scope of our coverage and basis of our business. This is not to be confused with Boston Innovation, BostonInno, BostInno (emphasis on the Italian accent), or BostoNoNo.

Here’s how 11 other Boston-area brands got their names.