What is in a name? Bizarre company names spit online community

SHANGHAI - A string of bizarre company names in China have got netizens talking.

A Shanghai-based investment company called itself "Dashuipiao" (investment will be a waste of money), the National Business Daily newspaper reported Tuesday.

The company specializes in industrial investment, investment management and catering business management.

Another company in Shanghai registered itself as "Mensheng," or "I will make my fortune without letting you know."

The two companies are both based in the Shanghai FTZ, and they are not alone in their preference for unusual names. Others include "Little Lobster" and "Landlady," and, according to web portal Sina.com, a private equity company in Hangzhou calls itself "Guoliyoumi" (I have rice in my bowl.)

The bizarre names have divided the online community into two camps: Those that think the names are just outright stupid, and those that are fans of the tongue in cheek naming.

"When the name Alibaba came out, I thought it was strange too," wrote a user on microblog Sina Weibo. "Now it is an e-commerce giant."

Some argue that it's not easy to be original.

"I once tried more than 300 unusual names and the registration system told me they were all taken," said Weibo user "Aiyincilunbei."

"In the end, I tried 'You win, system!' But even that was taken!"

According to the regulation on company-name registration, names must not damage the interests of the nation or the public, nor should the titles deceive the public or causes misunderstanding. Any reference to the Party, the Army or social groups are prohibited.

An official from the Shanghai company-name registration department told Xinhua that as long as company names do not break the law or harm society, they should be allowed.

The online community agreed.

"Has anybody claimed the name 'mitten crab?' If not, I'll use it," said another Weibo user.