If the IBM Building were a person, what would his name be?

Matt Maldre May 5, 2008 Architecture, Chicago, Questions, Words 1 minute of reading

Chicago’s IBM building. It’s a classic. Very simple black box. And now he has a good buddy across the street from him, Trump Tower. Of course IBM traditionally stands for International Business Machines. But here we are talking about two good buddies on the same block. There’s a mystery about this fellow, IBM. Everyone calls him by his initials. But what do the initials stand for? IBM refuses to say. What do you think IBM stands for?

I think it’s Ivan Burley Mauer. I liked using Ivan, cuz it’s a strong name for this strong building. And Burley sounds, well, burly. And Mauer is German for wall. (and I picked German, cuz the architect is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.) Feel free to leave your I.B.M. name suggestions in the comments. Thank you.

Happening right now on Spudart: Press a leaf in an envelope with the date and story written on it until 2026-10-31

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

7 Comments

oldest

newest most voted

unlikelymoose

18 years ago

Ida Bekky Mendelmann

Tom Saaristo

18 years ago

Ian Barker McGonnelly

Andre Alforque

18 years ago

Hello, my name is Inigo B. Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die.

Shaunda

18 years ago

Ivan Beer Maker

Author

Matt Maldre

2 years ago

Isaac Bruno Meister – Isaac, a name often associated with wisdom and enduring strength, combined with Bruno for its burly sound and Meister, German for “master,” reflecting mastery in design.
Irving Benedict Mauer – Irving, an old-school name with charm, paired with Benedict, which exudes a noble vibe, and Mauer, echoing the German for “wall,” tying back to Mies van der Rohe’s roots.
Ian Baxter Mies – Ian, straightforward and sturdy, Baxter, which has an old English touch meaning “baker,” originally linked to building, and Mies, directly nodding to the architect himself.
Ignatius Bertram Müller – Ignatius, a name filled with historic gravity and impact, Bertram as a solid, somewhat noble old German name, and Müller, a common German surname that resonates with the traditional yet mysterious essence.
Ivor Baldwin Metzler – Ivor, a name of Norse origin meaning “bow warrior,” suggesting strength and resilience, Baldwin, a name that feels both classic and stately, and Metzler, a German surname adding a touch of sophistication.

Author

Matt Maldre

2 years ago

Also, 330 North Wabash is now formerly IBM Plaza and IBM Building. It’s renamed AMA Plaza.

Author

Matt Maldre

2 years ago

Reply to Matt Maldre

Arthur Morgan Adler – Arthur, a name with royal and historical gravitas, Morgan, which has a modern touch but also a depth, and Adler, German for “eagle,” suggesting a soaring, dominant presence.
Alaric Matthias Albrecht – Alaric, a strong name with ancient roots meaning “ruler of all,” Matthias, a classic name with biblical heritage, and Albrecht, a noble German surname that carries historical weight and dignity.
Augustus Milo Amberg – Augustus, evoking the grandeur of Roman emperors, Milo, a name that’s both ancient and contemporary sounding, and Amberg, a German name that brings a geographical and solid grounding.
Alexander Maximilian Amsel – Alexander, a name known for leadership and conquest, Maximilian, which has a royal and timeless appeal, and Amsel, German for “blackbird,” hinting at sleekness and mystery.
Anton Moritz Anselm – Anton, a broadly European name denoting strength, Moritz, a more playful and modern Germanic name, and Anselm, which is both historical and philosophical, adding a depth to the persona.

Get thoughtful fun by email