One of the ways that a tavern or pub was recognized or stereotyped was through its name. The name is an important feature because it represents the "historical, political, economic, social, and local parts of the country"(15). There were specific patterns in naming the pubs, for example "particular local features of the inn and tavern names depend on local conditions, events, families and personalities" (16). Each drinking house had a name that represented an important aspect of the time, what was going on in the country at the time. For example in the late 1600s in the period of the commonwealth England's sea power grew immensely. As a result of this growth a number of new inns adapted names such as "The Blue Anchor" and "The Mermaid". The first half of the eighteenth century saw a continuation of the honoring of the monarchy with names such as "The Queen Head". One of the most popular themes associated with drink houses during the first half of the eighteenth century was that of the elephant and the castle, and there was also a pub called "The Elephant and the Castle". It is sometimes assumed that it originated with the successful trading that occurred between England and the East India Company. It is also interesting to note that with the elephant it was common to have a little "Black Boy". This is said to represent Britain's "fashion for little Negroes functioning as liveried footboys in wealthier households"(17). This sort of satirical portrayal can also be seen in the paintings of William Hogarth.

Religion played a part in the naming of English taverns. The pub "The Salutation" was based on the biblical salutation from Ave Maria to the Virgin Mary. There was a long line of pubs that reflected Bible stores. For example "The Angel" and "Adam and Eve" were two popular pubs (18).

Travel was important during this time in England, therefore it was appropriate for pubs to name themselves after modes of travel. "The Jack Boot", a riding boot that rose over the knee and "The Buff Coat", a leather riding coat, were two names of pubs reflecting horses as travel. Once coaches became popular names like "The Horse and Trumpet" popped up and the inns started to be used as main staging points for coaching companies like The London Waggon of Cambridge. The name of the pub reflected the people who went there. A pub that was named after royalty or aristocracy would not likely serve hard working factory men, just like the "The Elephant and the Castle" would not cater to those who opposed relations with India. A name was not only important because of what it represented but also because of whom it represented (19).