The Once-ler has a descriptive title, not a name. Much like a baker bakes, the Once-ler onces. He’s a storyteller that recounts the events of the past. It’s derived from the popular first line “once upon a time”.

Why is it called the Once-ler?

The Lorax (1972) The Once-ler was intentionally left faceless by Dr. Seuss. This is because the Once-ler was to represent big business and all industrialists rather than a single individual.

What was the Once-ler's name?

What’s in a Name? Yep, the Once-ler is actually his name. His family members are also named Once-ler, but without the “the,” it seems.