Google's AI image generator, Nano Banana, stands out with its memorable and quirky name. Unlike competitors that opt for technical or abstract names, Google's choice has a unique story behind it. The moniker wasn't the result of an expensive branding study, but rather a spontaneous, late-night joke that stuck.
The story begins with the need for a codename. Google wanted to conduct blind testing of its new image generation model on the LMArena platform. Using the official technical name, "Gemini 2.5 Flash Image," would have revealed the creator, defeating the purpose of the blind test. Therefore, the team needed a codename quickly.
During a late-night discussion to finalize the submission, Product Manager Naina Raisinghani suggested "Nano Banana" as a funny placeholder. According to Raisinghani, the name is a portmanteau of her nicknames: some friends call her "Naina Banana," while others call her "Nano" because she is short and likes computers. The name was approved almost immediately, likely due to the team's exhaustion. What began as a placeholder for testing purposes became the product's official identity. When the model launched publicly within Gemini, Google embraced the branding, featuring a peeled-banana logo and turning the interface button yellow. The naming convention has even continued with the successor model, Nano Banana Pro.
Since its launch in August 2025, Nano Banana has generated over 5 billion images. The tool is integrated into Gemini and allows users to edit their own photos, blend different art styles, and create 3D figurine images. A key feature of Nano Banana is its ability to maintain consistency across multiple edits of a user's face. To access Nano Banana, users can select "Create images" from the tools menu and "Fast" from the model menu. To access Nano Banana Pro, they can select "Create images" and "Thinking" from the model menu.
The success of Nano Banana lies in its ability to generate high-quality images with strong visual reasoning. It also offers advanced editing and creation features. Banana Nano aims to provide freedom, creativity, and personality over rigid tools. The platform envisions a universe where every image starts as a "nano idea" that can evolve through editing and experimentation.
Google's choice to name its AI image generator "Nano Banana" reflects a broader trend of quirky and unconventional naming conventions in the AI industry. While many companies opt for functional or descriptive names, Google has embraced a more playful and memorable approach. This strategy can help a product stand out in a crowded market and create a unique brand identity.
The model code format reflects the underlying family, stage, and specialization. Gemini models are offered in stable, preview, latest, and experimental forms, distinguished by their naming conventions.
