Bloomberg just posted an article titled What’s Going on With AI Model Names?.

The article breaks down how tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Meta are using unique names -ChatGPT, Gemini, and LLaMA - for their AI models to communicate their personalities and purposes. OpenAI’s "ChatGPT" sticks to a straightforward tech feel, playing up its friendly utility for just about everyone, while Google’s "Gemini" feels a bit more high-tech and visionary, reflecting Google’s big, ambitious AI goals. Meta's "LLaMA" brings some fun into the mix, with a more approachable feel that’s all about accessibility and community.
 

In short, these names aren’t random. They’re carefully chosen to give each AI its own brand “personality” and appeal. With so many AI tools emerging, branding has become a key way for companies to stand out and connect with users, making the names nearly as important as what the AIs actually do.

It got me thinking, will playful names like “LLaMA” change perceptions of AI, making it feel more accessible and less intimidating? Or do they risk making the technology seem less serious, less reliable? Or a weirder, third option - do these cutesy names give us a false sense of security? By making AI sound playful, even harmless, are we more likely to trust and rely on it, lowering our guard in ways that could make it easier for AI to gradually take over bigger parts of our lives? Are we going to find ourselves ushering in our new AI overlords with welcome arms? Happy Halloween 

Do you have any favorite names of existing AI tools? What would you name your own? Would it lean more “techy” or fun?