What is the Meaning of the Name ‘Porsche’?

The Porsche brand has become synonymous with luxury and performance on the Glendale roads, but what is the meaning of the name ‘Porsche’? The Porsche brand is generally associated with its founder, Ferdinand Porsche—but that’s not the whole story. Explore the Porsche name’s origin with Rusnak/Pasadena, and be sure to visit Pasadena to get more information with our experts.

Porsche Company Roots

Porsche wasn’t always the independent automotive titan that you see today. In the beginning, Porsche began as an engineering consulting firm that specialized in the automotive industry. Back then, the company’s full name was as follows: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Let’s take a closer look at the original Porsche name’s meaning:

• The “Dr.” stands for doctor or doctorate.
• The “Ing. h.c”. stands for “ingenieur honoris causa”, or honorary degree in Engineering.
• The “F Porsche” stands for Ferdinand Porsche, the founder.
• The AG is “Aktiengesellschaft” or “shares company” to imply that the company is owned by shareholders.

Porsche Name Origin

It’s clear that the Porsche name is most commonly associated with Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the company. Porsche was a visionary who was responsible for iconic models like the Volkswagen Beetle, and his name was officially attached to the brand as of 1948. The Porsche 356 became the very first model to carry the name, and it remains a classic piece of automotive history to this day.

You’ve got the basics, but what does Porsche mean, really? While the undeniable influence of Ferdinand Porsche cannot be overstated, the Porsche name itself is derived from “Bogoris” (or “Boris”)—an old Turkic name that is generally translated as “wolf” or “snow leopard”. Although the allusion to these iconic animals is purely coincidental, we think a name like this is fitting for the Porsche lineup.

Learn More with Rusnak/Pasadena

After a deep dive into the Porsche name, why not learn more about this legendary brand? Contact us at Rusnak/Pasadena with any questions, or visit us in Pasadena. We’re only a short drive from Arcadia or Los Angeles, and we’d love to get you behind the wheel of a Porsche. Check out our new inventory to experience the latest designs and features, or explore our pre-owned inventory to experience the rich history of Porsche firsthand.