Amazon’s original name before Jeff Bezos changed it in 1994 was Cadabra.
Bezos incorporated the company as Cadabra, Inc. The name alluded to the magical phrase “abracadabra,” matching his early vision of making a new kind of retail business appear through the internet. However, the name did not remain in use for long.
Bezos changed it after his lawyer misheard “Cadabra” as “cadaver.” He then considered other names, including Relentless, before settling on Amazon. The Amazon River offered a strong image of size and breadth, which suited a business intended to carry a huge range of products.
Amazon’s name change occurred before the online bookstore opened to the public in 1995. This is why some accounts describe Amazon as having been founded in 1994 while also identifying 1995 as the start of its retail operations. The distinction is between incorporation and the beginning of online sales.