Before settling on Starbucks, the founders kicked around other names for their new coffee company in Seattle. One of the early frontrunners was “Cargo House.” The idea was to evoke shipping and trade, tying into the nautical theme of the Pacific Northwest.

But they ditched it fast. “Cargo House” didn’t exactly make people crave a latte. Eventually, they landed on “Starbucks,” inspired by the first mate Starbuck from Moby-Dick and the region’s maritime history.