Shakespeare once pondered, “What’s in a name?” In the realm of AI chatbots, names can be rich in meaning. For example, Google’s “Gemini” suggests duality, reflecting the chatbot’s ability to understand and respond to both sides of a conversation. Microsoft’s “Copilot” implies a supportive partner.

AI chatbot names are often chosen for their symbolism, functionality, or memorability, such as Amazon’s AI chatbot Rufus. Named after a Welsh corgi who roamed the first Amazon warehouse in 1996, Rufus left a lasting legacy. Amazon, now home to over 10,000 dogs in its offices, fondly remembers Rufus and his unexpected impact, as noted by his owners, Susan and Eric Benson.

Rufus is the inspiration behind Amazon’s latest generative AI-powered shopping assistant. His legacy is also honored with a building named after him and photos displayed at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters. Amazon’s dog-friendly culture can be traced back to Rufus.

The story of how Rufus joined Amazon is memorable: Eric and Susan Benson asked then-CEO Jeff Bezos if they could bring Rufus to work. Bezos’s response was, “Is he a good dog?” When Amazon negotiated new warehouse leases, they ensured Rufus’s presence was included in the contracts as well.

As Amazon’s business flourished and the company relocated downtown, the Bensons, who brought their cherished dog Rufus to work, anticipated issues. Other employees began bringing their pets, but emails circulated, emphasizing that only Rufus had official permission. A former finance executive once replied, “From now on, all dogs are named Rufus,” which Susan Benson recalls as a “brilliant moment.” Rufus passed away in 2009 at the age of 15.