With new ownership set to take over the Washington Commanders NFL franchise in the near future, one of the first questions that will be asked is whether the team name will change again. Many fans are not happy with “Commanders”, and this week’s Top Ten Tuesday proposes ten of the best options to consider as a name that can last.
10. Warriors
Despite potential trademark issues, which is what keeps this choice down at No. 10, Warriors is a strong name that has been proposed as an alternative for the Commanders. The name is alliterative and could work well for the team in by far the United States’ most popular sport and league.
9. Redtails
Named after the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the Redtails would pay tribute to the military while also keeping the “Red” as some fans insist on. HTTR could remain with both this and Redwolves.
8. Ambassadors
Ambassadors is a solid and regal name that reflects the team’s status as a professional sports team representing the nation’s capital. The name would also acknowledge the importance of diplomacy in the city.
7. Americans
Americans is a straightforward name that could resonate well with fans and highlight the team’s connection to the city and the country as a whole. It’s a name that would show pride in America and could be a rallying cry for fans—while also drawing in new fans from outside the D.C. area. A similar name, Patriots, has obviously worked out quite well up in New England.
6. Hogs
A nod to the famous offensive line that helped the team win three Super Bowls, Hogs would be a fun option that many fans would love—though it would perhaps be a bit controversial in terms of its fitness as a professional NFL team name. The name would pay homage to the team’s history and its loyal fanbase.
5. Retrievers
There’s been a lot of talk about Wolves and Redwolves, as we’ll get to, but why not consider going a little softer with a dog? Golden retrievers are among the most beloved animals out there, and they’re an athletic and loyal animal. Also, Retrievers for some reason just sounds like a good fit for a football team name.
4. Monuments
Another name that pays homage to the city’s landmarks, Monuments is a powerful option that could be an underrated safe choice for Washington. The name would reflect the country’s rich history and culture.
3. Redwolves
Redwolves is a unique name that has gained popularity among fans—with a vocal group online still pushing for it to happen. It would pay tribute to the region’s wildlife and could become a symbol of strength and resilience for the team. Ultimately, it seems trademark issues prevented this from happening last year, but new ownership might be more willing to work through it.
2. Legends
Legends is a name that would be both fitting and memorable while still being somewhat general with who and what it can represent. It could be a nod to the team’s storied history and iconic players, as well as the city’s cultural history and the United States of America overall.
1. Wolves
Simple, memorable, and alliterative, Wolves is a top pick for the Washington Commanders’ new name. It’s a name that could easily become synonymous with the team and inspire fans for years to come. And it’s difficult to see why trademark concerns would be a huge issue considering no major U.S. sports teams go by “Wolves”, all instead using a variant of the name. Wolves would symbolize the team’s strength, agility, and determination.