How Did Chicago Cubs Get Their Name? | A Historic Origin Story

Baseball history is full of unique nicknames, but few are as iconic as the Chicago Cubs. The team did not start with this lovable moniker. In fact, the franchise went through several identity changes before settling on the name we know today. Understanding this history requires a look back at the turn of the 20th century, newspaper headlines, and a roster of rookies that changed the sport.

Fans often assume the name came from a contest or a specific owner decision. The reality is more organic. The nickname emerged from sportswriters who needed a short, catchy way to describe a struggling team rebuilding its identity. This article tracks the timeline from the White Stockings to the Cubs.

The Early Days: Before They Were Cubs

The franchise began its journey long before the “Cubs” name appeared in print. Founded in 1870, the team was a charter member of the National League in 1876. During these foundational years, they established themselves as a powerhouse in professional baseball.

Chicago White Stockings — This was the original moniker. The team wore white stockings, a common naming convention for baseball clubs of that era (similar to the Red Sox or White Sox later on). Under the leadership of player-manager William “Cap” Anson, the White Stockings became the first dynasty in the National League.

Success defined this era. They won six pennants between 1876 and 1886. The brand was synonymous with victory and Cap Anson’s strict leadership. However, names in the 1800s were often informal. Fans and writers used “White Stockings” interchangeably with “Cap’s team.”

The name “White Stockings” eventually faded as the American League team (now the Chicago White Sox) adopted a similar name. The National League club needed a new identity as the 1890s progressed, leading to a period of flux where the team’s nickname depended largely on who was managing them.

The “Colts” Era Under Cap Anson

As the 1890s rolled around, the roster began to change. Cap Anson remained the face of the franchise, but the players around him were getting younger. To reflect this shift, newspapers and fans began calling the team the “Colts.”

Young talent — The term “Colts” referred to a young horse, symbolizing the youth movement within the clubhouse. It was a fitting descriptor. Anson was the old guard, leading a group of inexperienced but talented players. This nickname stuck for most of the 1890s.

Literature from this era shows “Anson’s Colts” appearing frequently in game recaps. It wasn’t an official trademark in the modern sense, but it was the accepted nomenclature. The distinct identity helped separate them from cross-town rivals and established a narrative of a veteran leader guiding the next generation.

This period ended abruptly in 1897. After 22 seasons, the club released Cap Anson. This decision left a massive void in leadership and identity, plunging the franchise into a naming crisis that directly paved the way for the Cubs moniker.

The “Orphans” And The Identity Crisis

The departure of Cap Anson was a shock to the Chicago baseball community. Without their long-time leader, the team seemed lost. Sportswriters, never shy about their opinions, quickly rebranded the team to reflect this abandonment.

The Orphans — This became the primary nickname from 1898 to 1901. It was not a compliment. The name suggested the team was fatherless and lacking direction without Anson. It captured the mood of the fanbase, who watched the team struggle in the standings following the managerial change.

Other nicknames floated around during this transitional period. Some writers used “Remnants,” implying the team was just the leftovers of a great era. These names were harsh, reflecting the brutal nature of sports journalism at the time. The team needed a fresh start, not a reminder of what they had lost.

This negative branding hurt the team’s image. A nickname like “The Orphans” does not inspire confidence or ticket sales. The front office and the players were eager for something new, but you cannot simply force a nickname in baseball. It has to catch on with the public.

How Did Chicago Cubs Get Their Name? – The Newspaper Origin

The pivot point arrived in 1902. The team was in a rebuilding phase. Frank Selee took over as manager and began scouting young talent to revitalize the squad. This influx of rookies was noticeable. The roster was fresh, energetic, and exceptionally young.

Newspapers played a vital role here. In the early 1900s, headlines had limited space. “Orphans” and “Remnants” were long words to fit into a narrow column. Editors wanted something shorter and punchier. This logistical need collided with the team’s youthful roster to create the perfect name.

Fred Hayner’s influence — A sportswriter for the Chicago Daily News named Fred Hayner is often credited with popularizing the term. He and other writers noted the “baby” nature of the players. The term “Cubs” (young bears) fit perfectly. It was short, it described the youth, and it sounded far better than “Orphans.”

The name appeared in print specifically on March 27, 1902. The Chicago Daily News ran a legitimate headline using the term. Over the next few years, other papers adopted it. It was snappy and easy to read. By 1905, “Cubs” was the dominant nickname in the city, though not yet official.

Why “Cubs” Stuck Over Other Nicknames

The term “Cubs” had competition. During the early 1900s, creativity ran wild among sportswriters. Several other names were trialed in the papers, but none had the staying power of the baby bear.

The Competition

• The Zephyrs: This name implied speed or a light wind. It didn’t carry much intimidation factor.
• The Microbes: Perhaps the strangest option. This name surfaced briefly, referencing the “small” size of the young players or perhaps their infectious energy. Thankfully, it did not last.
• The Spuds: This was a specific reference to the team’s president, James A. Hart. It lacked the broad appeal needed for a major franchise.

The name “Cubs” won out because it struck a balance. It acknowledged the youth of the team but also connected to an animal symbol, which is a staple in sports branding. A bear cub has potential to grow into something dangerous. It offered hope rather than the despair of “Orphans.”

This naming convention also aligned with the team’s performance. Under Frank Selee and later Frank Chance, those “young cubs” matured into one of the greatest baseball teams ever assembled. Winning games solidified the name. Fans associate “Cubs” with the rise of the Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance infield.

Official Adoption Of The Name In 1907

While newspapers used the name freely starting in 1902, the franchise did not make it official immediately. Baseball clubs in this era were slow to trademark names. The nickname lived in the public domain for five years before the team formally embraced it.

The 1907 season — This was the turning point. The team was dominant, winning the World Series that year. With the brand now associated with a championship, owner Charles Murphy officially adopted “Cubs” as the team name. It appeared on scorecards and eventually on the uniforms.

Uniform changes followed slowly. The first uniforms to actually feature a bear logo or the name didn’t appear instantly, but the identity was sealed. The “Chicago Cubs” were no longer just a newspaper shorthand; they were the champions of the National League.

This timeline highlights a unique aspect of sports history. The fans and the media named the team, not the owners. The ownership simply ratified what the city had already decided. This organic connection is part of why the fanbase remains so loyal decades later.

Timeline of Chicago Team Names

Tracking the exact years helps clarify the evolution. The table below outlines the primary nicknames associated with the franchise before they settled on the current identity.

Nickname	Time Period	Origin/Reason
White Stockings	1870–1889	Reflected the uniform style; common era practice.
Colts	1890–1897	Reflected the young roster under Cap Anson.
Orphans	1898–1901	Used after Cap Anson was fired/released.
Cubs	1902–Present	Coined by media for the young roster; official in 1907.

The Mascot Connection: Joa And The Live Bears

Once the name became official, the team leaned into the imagery. Today, we know Clark the Cub, but the early mascot efforts were far more literal. The franchise’s history with live bears helped cement the name in the minds of the public.

Live bear mascots — In the early 20th century, it was not uncommon for the team to have actual bear cubs at the stadium. In 1916, a live bear named “Joa” was brought to Weeghman Park (which later became Wrigley Field). These stunts garnered massive press attention.

This physical representation of the name bridged the gap between a newspaper headline and a tangible identity. Fans could see the “Cub.” It transformed an abstract nickname into a living, breathing symbol of the franchise. While keeping live wild animals in a ballpark is frowned upon today, it was effective marketing in the 1910s.

This mascot history distinguishes the Cubs from teams with abstract names (like the Dodgers or Athletics). The bear imagery allows for easy branding, logos, and merchandising, which has helped the name endure for over 120 years.

Frank Chance And The Peerless Leader

You cannot discuss how the Chicago Cubs got their name without mentioning Frank Chance. Known as “The Peerless Leader,” Chance was the player-manager during the era when the name became famous. He personified the “Cub” spirit.

Chance took over managing duties in 1905. He inherited the young roster that Selee had built. Under his guidance, the “Cubs” became a dynasty, winning World Series titles in 1907 and 1908. His success validated the name.

If the team had failed during the 1902–1907 stretch, the name might have been discarded like “Orphans” or “Microbes.” Winners get to keep their names. The dominance of the Frank Chance era ensured that “Cubs” would be associated with excellence, erasing the memory of the struggles in the late 1890s.

Modern Legacy Of The Name

Today, the name Cubs is one of the most recognizable brands in global sports. It has survived championship droughts, stadium changes, and ownership transfers. The origin story reminds us that baseball is deeply rooted in journalism and storytelling.

The name reflects a specific moment in time—a rebuilding year where youth and potential were the only things the team had. It is a humble origin. Unlike names like “Giants” or “Royals” that imply power and status, “Cubs” implies growth and future potential. This fits the narrative of a team that fans stick with through thick and thin.

The “C” on the cap stands for Chicago, but it also stands for that continuity. From the 1902 newspaper column to the 2016 World Series Champions, the name connects generations of fans. It is a testament to the power of a good headline and a loyal city.

Key Takeaways: How Did Chicago Cubs Get Their Name?

➤ The name originated in 1902 from local newspaper writers.

➤ It described the very young roster of players on the team.

➤ The moniker replaced unpopular names like “Orphans” and “Remnants.”

➤ Owner Charles Murphy made the name official in 1907.

➤ The nickname was preferred by editors because it fit easily in headlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owned the team when they were named the Cubs?

James Hart owned the team when the name first appeared in newspapers in 1902. However, Charles Murphy was the owner who officially adopted the name in 1907. Murphy bought the team in 1905 and presided over their early World Series championships, solidifying the brand.

What was the team called before the White Stockings?

The White Stockings was the original name when the franchise joined the National League in 1876. Before that, professional baseball organization was loose, but they are generally considered the founding iteration of the franchise. There was no established nickname prior to the White Stockings era.

Did the Chicago Cubs ever change their name after 1907?

No, the name has remained constant since official adoption. While they have had various mascots and logo updates, the franchise nickname “Cubs” has never changed. It is currently one of the oldest and most consistent team names in North American professional sports.

Why were they called the Orphans?

They were called Orphans because they lost their “father” figure, manager Cap Anson. Anson had led the team for 22 years. When the team released him in 1897, sportswriters felt the remaining squad looked lost and leaderless, leading to the derogatory nickname.

Who is the specific writer credited with the name?

Fred Hayner of the Chicago Daily News is most frequently credited with popularizing the name. While other writers used it, Hayner used it consistently in 1902 to describe the young players, and his usage helped it gain traction across other city publications.

Wrapping It Up – How Did Chicago Cubs Get Their Name?

The story of the Chicago Cubs name is a fascinating slice of sports history. It reveals how practical needs—like fitting a word into a narrow newspaper column—can shape the identity of a billion-dollar franchise. The transition from the “White Stockings” to the “Orphans” and finally to the “Cubs” mirrors the team’s evolution from a 19th-century powerhouse to a modern icon.

Fans cherish this history. The name “Cubs” was not the result of a corporate boardroom decision but a reflection of the team’s spirit in 1902. It honored the young players who fought to restore the franchise’s glory. That spirit remains alive at Wrigley Field today.