Ever wondered how nylon, one of the most widely used synthetic fibers in the world, got its name? The story is as fascinating as the material itself — and full of twists.

🌍 A Tale of Two Cities?

According to some sources, including the now-archived "Answers Corporation" website, nylon was developed simultaneously in New York and London. This led to the playful theory that the name “nylon” was a blend of “NY” for New York and “LON” for London. While catchy, this explanation is more myth than fact.

🧪 The Real Story: Marketing Meets Chemistry

The true origin of the name is a bit more nuanced — and clever. When DuPont was developing this revolutionary fiber in the 1930s, they initially considered calling it “No-Run”, referencing its resistance to unraveling (or “running”) in stockings. But there was a problem: the fiber wasn’t completely run-proof, and making that claim could have been misleading.
So, the name evolved:

• “No-Run” became “Nuron” (by swapping the vowels)

• Then “Nilon”, to avoid sounding like a nerve tonic

• Finally, “Nylon”, with a “y” for clearer pronunciation

DuPont later explained in a 1978 publication (Context, vol. 7, no. 2) that the “nyl” part was essentially arbitrary, while the “on” suffix was borrowed from other fibers like cotton and rayon to give it a familiar, textile-like feel.

🧵 Why It Matters

Understanding the origin of the word “nylon” gives us a glimpse into the intersection of science, marketing, and language. It’s a reminder that even the names of everyday materials often carry stories of innovation, branding strategy, and a bit of creative wordplay.