The name comes from a 1871 merger of two Ohio banks

Fifth Third Bank got its name from the 1871 merger of two Cincinnati banks: the Third National Bank and the Fifth National Bank. When they combined, the new institution took both names in order—Third National and Fifth National became "Third Fifth," which was then reversed to "Fifth Third" for the final company name. The bank has kept that name for over 150 years, even as it grew far beyond Ohio.

The reversal from "Third Fifth" to "Fifth Third" happened because the founders wanted the name to sound more distinctive and easier to remember. At the time, many banks used similar naming conventions based on their charter numbers, so standing out mattered. The unusual word order stuck, and it became the bank's legal name.

Key Takeaways

  • Fifth Third Bank's name comes from the 1871 merger of Third National Bank and Fifth National Bank, both based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • The founders reversed the natural order from "Third Fifth" to "Fifth Third" to create a more memorable and distinctive name.
  • Both banks received their numbers based on their federal charter order, a common naming practice for banks in the 1800s.
  • The name has remained unchanged for over 150 years, even as the bank expanded across multiple states and became a major financial institution.

How banks got numbered names in the 1800s

During the 1800s, banks that received a federal charter were assigned a number based on the order in which they received their charter from the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency. The Third National Bank received charter number 3, and the Fifth National Bank received charter number 5. Banks commonly included their charter number in their official name, so "Third National" and "Fifth National" were straightforward identifiers at the time.

This numbering system was practical for regulators and customers who needed to distinguish between many banks operating in the same city or region. Cincinnati had dozens of banks in the 1800s, so the numbers helped clarify which institution you were dealing with. When two banks merged, the question of what to call the new entity was not always obvious.

Why the name was reversed instead of kept in order

The founders chose to reverse the names from "Third Fifth" to "Fifth Third" for branding reasons. A reversed or unusual name stood out more in advertisements, on buildings, and in conversation than a straightforward combination would have. "Fifth Third" sounded fresher and more distinctive than "Third Fifth," which might have seemed awkward or backwards to customers.

The decision also reflected a practical marketing instinct: the name needed to be easy to say, easy to remember, and different enough from other banks to catch attention. "Fifth Third" rolls off the tongue more smoothly than "Third Fifth," and it became the bank's legal name from the moment of merger onward.

How Fifth Third grew beyond its Cincinnati roots

After the 1871 merger, Fifth Third Bank remained a Cincinnati-based institution for decades. Over the 20th century, it expanded through acquisitions and organic growth into a regional bank serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and surrounding states. By the 1990s and 2000s, Fifth Third had become one of the largest banks in the Midwest, with hundreds of branches across multiple states.

The bank kept its original name throughout all this expansion, even though it no longer operated only in Cincinnati or served only the original customer base. The name had become so established that changing it would have been costly and confusing. Today, Fifth Third operates as a major regional bank with a national presence, but the 1871 merger story remains the source of its distinctive name.

What the name means for customers today

For modern customers, the name "Fifth Third" is simply the bank's brand identity—most people do not think about the 1871 merger or the charter numbers behind it. The name has no bearing on how the bank operates, what services it offers, or how it processes transactions. It is purely a historical artifact that has become a recognizable brand.

The unusual name has actually worked in the bank's favor as a marketing tool. It is memorable, distinctive, and generates curiosity—exactly what the founders intended in 1871. When people ask "Why is it called Fifth Third?", they are engaging with a piece of banking history that most other modern banks do not have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Fifth Third Bank always have this name?

No. The Third National Bank and Fifth National Bank operated separately until 1871, when they merged to form Fifth Third Bank. Before the merger, each bank had its own name and charter number.

Is there a "First" or "Second" bank related to Fifth Third?

Not in the way the name might suggest. The numbers referred to the order in which banks received federal charters in Cincinnati, not a sequence of related institutions. First National Bank and Second National Bank were separate entities that did not merge with Third and Fifth.

Has Fifth Third Bank ever considered changing its name?

There is no public record of the bank seriously pursuing a name change. The name has become so established over 150 years that it is now a valuable brand asset. Changing it would confuse customers and erase the historical identity the bank has built.

Why do people sometimes write it as "Fifth Third" instead of "5/3"?

Both forms are used. "Fifth Third" is the official legal name, while "5/3" is a shorthand abbreviation used in some contexts, including the bank's stock ticker symbol on the NASDAQ exchange.