IKEA

Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA in 1943, and the name reflects his humble beginnings in rural Sweden. Over time, IKEA has grown into one of the world’s largest and most recognizable furniture retailers, known for its flat-pack furniture, Scandinavian design, and affordable pricing.

Letter	Stands For	Meaning
I	Ingvar	First name of the founder, Ingvar Kamprad
K	Kamprad	Surname of the founder
E	Elmtaryd	Name of the farm where he grew up
A	Agunnaryd	His hometown in southern Sweden

A Brief History Behind the Name

The name IKEA is a tribute to its founder Ingvar Kamprad, who started the company in 1943 at just 17 years old. He was born and raised on a small farm called Elmtaryd, located in the parish of Agunnaryd, in southern Sweden.

By combining the initials of his name and his roots, Kamprad created a unique brand identity that reflects his background and values—simplicity, functionality, and affordability.

From Farm to Global Brand

From those modest beginnings, IKEA has grown into one of the world’s largest home furnishing retailers, with stores in over 60 countries and a reputation for stylish, self-assembled furniture.

Understanding the name IKEA gives us a deeper appreciation of the brand’s story—a story grounded in simplicity, innovation, and a strong sense of place.