Why is it called Amazon?

1. Named After the Amazon River

The company is called Amazon because its founder, Jeff Bezos, named it after the Amazon River, which is the largest river by volume in the world. Bezos wanted a name that conveyed the vast scale and global reach he envisioned for his company.

2. Symbol of Vastness and Diversity

Bezos chose the name Amazon to symbolize the company's potential to become expansive and diverse. Just as the Amazon River runs through a wide, sprawling region, he wanted Amazon to become the largest and most diverse online marketplace, offering a wide variety of products.

3. Alphabetical Advantage

Another reason Bezos chose Amazon is that it starts with the letter "A", which would give the company an advantage in alphabetical listings. In the early days of the internet, being at the top of lists was a significant factor in visibility and discovery.

Summary:

• Named after the Amazon River to symbolize vastness and diversity.
• Represents Bezos’s vision for an expansive, global company.
• Chosen for its alphabetical advantage, helping with early internet visibility.

This name perfectly aligned with Bezos's long-term vision of Amazon becoming one of the largest and most influential companies in the world.