Anyone who has ever played in a band can tell you just how difficult coming up with a good name is, but these eight bands managed to come up with distinctive, memorable names by using the names of the people in the band.
1. ABBA
The palindromic name adopted by Swedish pop superstars ABBA was based on the first letter of the each of the band member's names: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
2. The 3Ds
When New Zealand indie rock band the 3Ds formed in 1988, they were a trio consisting of Dominic Stones, Denise Roughan, and David Saunders, or three "D's." In 1989, the band added a fourth member, guitarist David Mitchell (another "D"), but chose against changing their name to the 4Ds.
3. CocoRosie
Experimental duo CocoRosie consists of sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady, whose nicknames as children were "Coco" and "Rosie," respectively.
4. TLC
Though "TLC" is commonly associated with the phrase "tender love and care," the megaselling R&B girl group TLC based its name on the first letters of each of its members: Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.
5. NSYNC
While ABBA and TLC based their names on the first letters of their members names, NSYNC took a more unconventional route and formed their name by arranging the last letters of the member's first names: Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, Jason Galasso, and JC Chasez. However, original member Jason Galasso left the group before they hit it big, and was replaced by Lance Bass, whose name isn't represented in "NSYNC."
6. A.R. Kane
London dream pop duo A.R. Kane took the "A.R." part of its name from the first names of members Alex Ayuli and Rudy Tambala. In an interview with The Quietus, Tambala said that A.R. Kane is "one person, comprised of two people."
7. Band of Susans
Though not every member of Band of Susans was named Susan, a remarkably high percentage of the band's original five-piece lineup shared this name: bassist Susan Stenger, guitarist Susan Lyall, and guitarist Susan Tallman. Though the Susans Lyall and Tallman quit the band after the release of their debut album, the name stuck.
8. The White Stripes
Garage rock duo the White Stripes based their name on the shared last name of members Jack and Meg White, which led to much speculation as to the nature of their relationship. Though they would tell the press that they were brother and sister, in actuality the Whites were married, though they would divorce in 2000 before achieving mainstream success. Despite their divorce, Jack White (whose original name is John Gillis) kept the name "White."
What are some other bands that based their names on their member's names? Let us know down in the comments section!
