The American retailer 7-Eleven adopted its current name in 1946.
The chain began as Southland Ice Company, which sold ice, milk, eggs, and other necessities from ice docks in Texas. Its stores later extended their hours, making them useful for customers who needed essentials outside normal shopping times.
The name 7-Eleven referred to the stores’ advertised opening hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Although many locations eventually operated around the clock, the name remained. The company was previously known as Tote’m Stores and then Southland Corporation before becoming 7-Eleven as part of its postwar expansion.