The brand name Volvo was originally registered as a trademark in May 1911 with the intention to be used for a new series of SKF ball bearings. It means "I roll" in Latin, conjugated from "volvere". The idea was short-lived, and SKF decided to simply use its initials as the trademark for all its bearing products.

What does Volvo name mean?

The word "Volvo" became a registered trademark in 1911 after branding executives took the infinitive of the Latin verb "volvere (to roll)" and conjugated it into Volvo, which means "I roll." Before Volvo Cars was ever born, this name was initially applied to the parent company's first product: iron ball bearings.

Is Volvo German?

While it was rumored that the German automaker Volkswagen would take the wheel when Volvo Cars became available for sale, Volvo Cars is a Swedish-born product.