The Origin Stories of Every NBA Team's Name | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Charlotte's 1987 expansion franchise was actually almost called the Spirit, but fans voiced such displeasure that the ownership group decided instead to institute a name-the-team contest.

Thousands of ballots were cast, and the Hornets won out over other names like the Knights, Cougars, Crowns and Stars (per Mentalfloss.com's Scott Allen). And the name survived the move to New Orleans right up until a few weeks ago, when the franchise's new owner, Tom Benson, declared the team will be changing its name to the New Orleans Pelicans starting next season.