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why are the chargers called the chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are called the Chargers because the original owner, Barron Hilton, liked the dramatic “Charge!” bugle call and crowd chant used at Dodgers and USC games, and the name won a team‑naming contest. Over time, fans also connected it to both Hilton’s charge-card business and the image of a powerful charging horse, which fit the team’s fast, aggressive identity.

Quick Scoop: Name Origin

  • In 1959–60, new AFL owner Barron Hilton ran a contest to name his Los Angeles franchise, and “Chargers” was selected as the winning entry.
  • Hilton said he liked the name because fans at Dodgers and USC games would yell “Charge!” after a bugle call, which gave the word an energetic, stadium-ready feel.
  • The team’s early branding leaned into speed and impact, turning “Chargers” into a symbol of forward momentum on the field.

Theories Behind “Chargers”

There isn’t just one universally agreed reason; several overlapping stories circulate among fans and historians.

  • Credit-card angle: Hilton had launched the Carte Blanche charge card in 1958, and some believe “Chargers” was a clever nod to people who “charge” purchases, doubling as subtle business promotion.
  • Stadium cheer angle: The explanation Hilton himself gave is that the “Charge!” bugle-and-chant at Dodgers and USC games inspired the name, because it captured excitement and urgency.
  • Medieval horse angle: A “charger” is also a warhorse used by knights; the original logo with a horse’s head and lightning bolt supports the idea of a powerful animal charging into battle.

How Fans Talk About It Today

Modern discussions on forums and in videos usually treat the name as a mix of these influences rather than a single clean origin.

  • Many fans repeat the credit-card story as a fun trivia fact, even if Hilton downplayed that connection later.
  • Others focus on the “Charge!” chant, since that’s the only motive directly attributed to Hilton in historical and Hall of Fame write-ups.
  • The medieval-warhorse imagery explains why the early branding featured a horse and why the name feels naturally aggressive and athletic.

Timeline Context

  • 1959: Franchise awarded in Los Angeles; Barron Hilton becomes owner and a naming contest is held.
  • 1960: Team debuts as the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFL.
  • 1961: They move to San Diego as the San Diego Chargers, then later return to Los Angeles in 2017 while keeping the same name.

Mini TL;DR

The Chargers are called the Chargers because that name won an early contest and clicked with Barron Hilton, who loved the booming “Charge!” stadium cheer, while fans later tied it to his charge-card business and the powerful image of a charging warhorse.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.