As a young driver it’s a rite of passage to get your first car. Whether it’s a new set of wheels, a bit of a banger or your mums old run around – being handed those keys and knowing the freedom that awaits you is one of the best feelings, probably ever! Which is why as crazy as it seems, so many people give their first cars nicknames because – well after all, they have personalities too… right?!

Why do people name their first car?

Experts believe that the reason we name our cars is also the reason why humans are a dominant species on this planet, because we can acknowledge and recognise other creatures – it’s a key to our social development. So yes, whilst cars aren’t actual people, we, subconsciously, make psychological connections to them and therefore give them names!

What are the most popular first car names?

We are creatures of habit and whilst there are a few names that are uncommon when it comes to what we choose for our first cars, there’s some that just seem to stick to our four wheeled friends more than others…

Who is naming their cars?

Research from the DVLA shows that women are almost twice as likely as men to give their car a nickname. Not only that but 87% of those who have named their car have bought a personalised number plate to match the name – that’s commitment right there!

How to name your car

The key to naming your car is to take your time. Find out how your car feels to drive before jumping in and picking any old name. After a while of driving, you’ll start to get a sense of its personality. You’ll also get a vibe after a while if your car seems like a man, woman or if it’s gender neutral – this will help you choose your car nickname! If you're still a bit stuck, why not use our car name generator?