Every once in awhile, we take a look at what banks name themselves to see what surfaces that might be of interest to our readers. Well, we did some research and found some fun factoids we thought we might share. For starters, unless otherwise indicated, numbers throughout this story represent a count or number of financial institutions ("FIs") and the names indicated can appear anywhere in the bank name.
Taking into account failures, there are 7983 financial institutions insured by the FDIC today, so that is our starting universe. By alphabetic letter, bank names congregate around T, F, C, B & S and they stay away from X, Z, Y, Q & J. Of interest, of all the letters of the alphabet, X was the only one to have just a singular FI to use it (Xenith Bank).
When used as a starting point for a name, pure numbers were not overly popular, with only 37 FIs using one (the vast majority choosing to use 1st). Excluding the pure digits, however, lots of FIs apparently still wanted to be First (1320), however many less were interested in coming in Second (3), Third (5), Fourth (0) or Fifth (2). Of note here, only one FI chose to jump up the scale, choosing 21st Century Bank for their name.
By far, the most popular names are State (1,393), First (1,320), The (1,370) or Trust (760). Many FIs also like Community (491), Farmer (287), Citizen (273), People (159), Security (147) and America(n) (180). Clearly, FIs are patriotic and like to offer security to farmers, citizens and other people that work in communities around the country. The naming model works it would appear, so why mess with it we say.
FIs can be found enjoying the View (21) near a River (71) or a Lake (59), so the best way to see them is to sit on a Rock (33) or a Stone (88) under a Tree (15). While you are there, try not to get Sand (4) in your Shoe (2) or the Sun (30) in your Eye (1).
As with most things banking, FIs would rather make a Loan (188) than take a Deposit (16).
FIs are also directionally challenged, with some choosing to go South (168), some North (168), East (66) or West (208). No matter which way FIs seem to go, however, they occasionally will meet up at the corner of Central (89) and Main (17). No matter what, however, many are Pioneers (16).
Some FIs seek to be Independent (23), perhaps as they seek to protect our Liberty (42). Some have Grand (24) or Great (19) ideas they seek to share with everyone, while still others are more Private (18) or Reserved (1).
FIs are a Financial (63) group that enjoys making Money (1). They are supportive of Business (40), Merchants (119) and Commerce (79) within their Town (74). They Point (25) the way to Premier (26) Service (10) for every Person (2).
Like watching any good Western (48), FIs often find themselves going through a Gate (17) into a Valley (138) filled with Birds (1), Bees (4) and Elk (11). Off in the distance, near the Mountain (27), a Castle (8) can be seen, which as we all know is another man's Home (90) or even an Empire (3).
The Industry (2) has banded together like Brothers (3) and while some pray to the St.'s (36), others look to the Stars (43) to help get through the Credit (6) crisis.
No matter where you find yourself, the Freedom (16) you find in your own City (143) working with customers will help you make Progress (11) throughout this year and into the next Century (25).