Sunday, October 25, 2026

Question: The city of Cadillac and the Cadillac car are both named after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. What’s surprising about that famous last name?

Answer: He made it up. He was born Antoine Laumet in France, and as a young soldier he adopted the name “Cadillac” along with a false noble lineage to make himself sound aristocratic. So one of America’s most famous luxury brands, and a Michigan city, are named after an invented name.