Why Is It Called Spam, Anyway?

Where Did the Name “Spam” Come From?

The origin of the word “Spam” has been the subject of debate and urban legend. Some say it stands for “Shoulder of Pork and Ham” or “Spiced Ham,” while others think it’s just a marketing gimmick. The truth? It’s a little of both.

According to Hormel’s official history, the name “Spam” was the result of a naming contest held by the company. The winner was Kenneth Daigneau, an actor and the brother of a Hormel executive. He received a $100 prize for coming up with the name — short, catchy, and easy to remember.

Hormel has stated that the name stands for “SPiced hAM,” although that might be more retroactive branding than original intent. Either way, it worked. The product needed a name that stood out on store shelves, and “Spam” did just that.