What Do VW Model Names Mean?

Car Names Are Not Ordinary

Volkswagen (VW) is a brand that stands out in the automotive world not only with its solid engineering and reliable vehicles but also with its remarkable model names. Models like Passat, Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Scirocco are more than just car names — they represent winds, mythological figures, animals, and cities.

In this article, we delve into the origins of Volkswagen’s model names, the themes they draw from, and the logic behind the brand’s naming strategy.

1. Inspired by Winds: VW’s Most Recognizable Theme

Among all naming themes, the most prominent in Volkswagen’s strategy is wind. This is a conscious choice that strengthens the brand’s association with dynamism, nature, and motion.

🔹 Passat

The word “Passat” comes from the German term for trade winds, known in meteorology as Alize winds. These steady winds blow between the equator and subtropical regions. The name aligns with the vehicle’s stability and long-distance driving capability.

🔹 Jetta

Derived from “jet stream,” this compact sedan’s name evokes speed and fluidity, referencing the strong air currents in high altitudes.

🔹 Golf

Contrary to popular belief in Turkey, the name “Golf” is not inspired by the sport. In German, it refers to the Gulf Stream (Golfstrom) — a powerful ocean current, linking the name once again to the wind-and-flow theme.

🔹 Scirocco

Scirocco is a hot, dry wind that originates in the Sahara and travels toward Europe. This Mediterranean wind is known for carrying heat and dust. The aggressive, energetic character of the Scirocco coupe reflects the power of this wind.

🔹 Bora

Named after the cold and forceful wind that affects the Adriatic coast, Bora was a compact sedan that gained popularity especially in the early 2000s in Turkey.

2. Inspired by Nature and Animals

Volkswagen has also used nature and animal themes in several models. These names often symbolize the model’s size, personality, or market position.

🔹 Beetle

Originally known as the Volkswagen Type 1, this iconic car was nicknamed Beetle due to its round, cute design — a name later adopted officially. Known as “Vosvos” in Turkey, it became a cultural icon beyond just a car.

🔹 Fox

This compact and economical model took its name from the clever and agile animal. Although never sold in Turkey, the VW Fox was marketed as an affordable city car in Europe.

3. Cities and Tribes as Inspirations

Several Volkswagen models draw their names from ethnic groups, cities, or geographic regions — particularly SUV models, evoking exploration, freedom, and resilience.

🔹 Touareg

Named after the Tuareg, a nomadic Berber tribe living in North Africa, known for their resilience in desert life — a fitting name for VW’s luxury SUV.

🔹 Amarok

A mythological giant wolf from Inuit legends that hunts at night, Amarok also symbolizes power and endurance in harsh natural environments. The VW Amarok pickup truck reflects these traits.

🔹 Atlas

In Greek mythology, Atlas is the giant who carries the sky on his shoulders. The name was chosen for Volkswagen’s largest SUV, highlighting strength and dominance.

4. Creative and Abstract Naming

Volkswagen occasionally uses invented, abstract combinations for its models, especially in upper segments and electric vehicles.

🔹 Tiguan

The name “Tiguan” is a fusion of “Tiger” and “Iguana,” selected by public vote through a naming campaign. It symbolizes a balance between urban toughness and natural adaptability.

🔹 Arteon

A blend of “Art” and “Eon,” this name represents elegance and modernity, suitable for a premium sedan.

5. The Electric Future: The ID. Series

Volkswagen’s electric vehicle lineup, the ID. series, signals a move toward future mobility. The “ID” stands for both Identity and Intelligent Design.

• ID.3: Compact electric hatchback in the Golf segment.
• ID.4: All-electric SUV similar in size to Tiguan.
• ID.Buzz: A modern electric version of the iconic VW T1 minibus.

The ID. series is the clearest representation of VW’s electrification vision.

6. Summary Table: VW Model Names and Their Meanings

Model	Meaning / Origin	Theme
Passat	Trade winds	Wind
Jetta	Jet stream	Wind
Golf	Gulf Stream	Wind / Ocean current
Scirocco	Hot desert wind	Wind
Bora	Cold Adriatic wind	Wind
Beetle	Beetle (symbolic)	Animal
Fox	Fox	Animal
Touareg	Nomadic tribe in North Africa	Tribe / Geography
Amarok	Mythical wolf in Inuit legends	Mythology / Animal
Tiguan	Tiger + Iguana	Creative Combination
Arteon	Art + Era (Eon)	Abstract Concept
Atlas	Mythological giant	Mythology
ID. Series	Identity + Intelligent Design	Electric / Future

How Does a Brand Build Identity?

Volkswagen’s model names are more than just marketing choices — they form a core part of its brand identity. Shaped by wind, nature, mythology, and creativity, these names support the personality of each model.

Carefully chosen to align with design, performance, and target audience, these names explain why VW holds such a strong global perception.

💬 Which VW model name do you find most meaningful? Share in the comments!