Summary

• Superman's codename was given to him by Lois Lane, highlighting the significance of their relationship and setting the foundation for their love story.
• Lois Lane's deep interest in Superman led her to name him, showing the impact he had on her and their connection.
• The name 'Superman' has become an iconic symbol of truth, justice, and the superhero genre, with its origins rooted in the history of the hero.

Everyone knows the name Superman, but how many know how the hero got his codename in the first place? A look back at the hero's history reveals the source of his iconic moniker.

The word 'Superman' conjures up the very image of the modern superhero. It's a name that's associated not just with values like truth and justice, but with nearly a century of lore that's shaped much of the superhero genre. There's hardly a person alive who's never heard the name Superman. Thanks to thousands of comics, hundreds of shows, and dozens of movies, people know who Superman is, few people know where he got his renowned codename. For many, Superman is just Superman, and the knowledge of where the name came from is simply a mystery.

Lois Lane Gave Superman His Name

In Adventures of Superman #18 by J.T. Krul and Marcus To, an adventure early in Clark's career as a hero sees him defeat the alien despot Mongul. The United States government attempts to kill Mongul, forcing Clark to take the villain to the Fortress of Solitude to find a way of containing him. Despite Mongul's boasting that no prison can hold him, Clark s the Green Lantern Corps and meets Hal Jordan for the first time. The Lantern discovers Clark doesn't have a superhero moniker yet, but Clark insists Hal can call him a friend. Later, Clark starts his new job as a reporter for the Daily Planet, where the office is abuzz with the reports of a man who can fly. While Clark plays it cool, saying the hero is just like everyone else, Lois calls him a 'Superman'.

Lois Lane giving Superman his official codename at the start of his superhero career is something that's happened several times in canon before. Superman: Birthright saw Lois dub Metropolis' mysterious flying man on the front page of The Daily Planet while Action Comics #0 similarly saw the intrepid reporter name the hero while working on a story about him. Of course, this assumes that Clark wasn't Superboy in Smallville, a tricky part of DC canon. But Lois being the person to give Clark his codename makes sense as it shows the impact Superman made on her and was the start of the two's long, prosperous relationship.

Superman's Codename Was the Foundation of His and Lois' Relationship

Superman and Lois Lane are one of the most iconic couples in fiction, and it just feels right for her to give Clark his moniker. It was Lois' deep interest in Superman that drove her to chase stories about the Man of Steel, setting the groundwork for their relationship and eventual marriage. Lois' naming Superman was the first real spark that ultimately culminated in the two falling for each other. 'Superman' isn't just a codename, it's a symbol of the powerful relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane.