The exact origin of the name "7 Up" is unclear, but theories include: it could refer to the seven main ingredients in the original recipe, a reference to the lithium that was one included in the drink or the fact that it was originally sold in 7-ounce bottles, unlike most other sodas which were 6 ounces.

The creator, Charles Leiper Grigg, never publicly revealed the exact reasoning behind the name "7 Up".  The "Up" is generally interpreted as signifying a positive, uplifting feeling associated with the drink. 7 Up is an American brand  of lemon-lime-flavored non-caffeinated soft drink.  The brand and formula are owned by Dr. Pepper (7 UP merged with Dr. Pepper in 1988) although the beverage is internationally distributed by PepsiCo. In 1995, 7 Up was bought by Cadbury Shweppes.  That company spun off the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group in 2008.

Grigg who launched his St. Louis-based company, The Howdy Corporation in 1920.  Grigg came up with the formula for the soft drink on June 19, 1929 and was launched two weeks before the Wall Street Crash of 1929.  Its original named was "7 Up Lithiated Lemon Soda" becoming just "7 Up" by 1936.  Grigg never explained the name, but he did promote 7 UP as having effects on mood.  Because it debuted at the time of the stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression, this was a selling point. 

7 Up Bottling Company Building

in

Portland, Oregon

Circa 1976

7 Up is commonly served cold with ice.  It is also used as a mixer for cocktails called 7 and 7 (Seagram's and 7 Up) or CC and Seven (Canadian Club and 7 Up).  7 Up is also used in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic punches.

SEVEN-UP

"You Like It .. It Likes You"

www.7up.com