What is the Literal Meaning of Pepsi?

Date: October 24, 2009

There are several theories about the meaning of the word Pepsi.

It's a Word for Digestive Aid

The Greek word peptō (πέπτω) means 'I digest' (wiktionary). It makes sense that the name Pepsi comes out of this word, because during the early years of Pepsi (1903), it was advertised as "Exhilarating, Invigorating, and Aids Digestion." (See the Pepsi.com History Highlights for more information).

It's a Secret Anagram

Some people say that Caleb Bradham (the maker of pepsi) chose the name "Pepsi-Cola" because it was an anagram for "Episcopal." Why would he do this? Because there was an Episcopal church across the street from Bradham's drugstore. They also say there is a plaque at the site of the original drugstore documenting this.

I don't buy this theory. I've searched all over the internet, and I can't find any evidence that there was an episcopal church or a plaque that ever existed. On top of that, it doesn't make sense for a business man to name his product based upon an anagram of a church name. That's like Britney Spears being named because her name is an anagram for Presbyterians.

It Means, "Pay Every Penny Support Israel"

And Ford means Fix Or Repair Daily!

It's Rooted In Ancient Legend (My Own Theory)

The origin of the word Pepsi is rooted in an ancient legend about Caleb Bradham.

One day, Caleb was sitting in his medieval castle, and he was feeling really, really good. All of a sudden, he had an amazing vision! Before his eyes were dancing bubbles, flying fizz, and lots of refreshment! When he finally snapped out of his trance, he got up, and saw there was a piece of paper on the table. While Caleb was having his vision he had written down the recipe for the most amazing elixir in the entire world. That's right - it was Pepsi.

Caleb felt it was only right to name the elixer after the circumstances of its discovery. "Pep", an old english word for 'upbeat and happy' was the first word that came into Caleb's mind. The second was "si", another old english word that implies seeing through thoughts, as though one is having a vision.

When you put the two words together you literally get "Happy Visions." This is the meaning of Pepsi!

(Not really true! Just a story.)

The Real Meaning?

Most likely, Caleb chose the name because:

The name just sounds good.
The name has a connection to the Greek word meaning 'I Digest'.

But we don't really know for sure.