[missionhockey21]

Originally Posted by Wheelhouse

Understood--but the question remains: why did the bank name itself that? What is being referred to?

Wikipedia knows all (usually.)

Fifth Third's unusual name is the result of the June 1, 1908 merger of two banks, The Fifth National Bank and The Third National Bank, to become The Fifth Third National Bank of Cincinnati.[3] Because the merger took place during a period when prohibitionist ideas were gaining popularity, it was believed that "Fifth Third" was better than "Third Fifth," which could be construed as a reference to "three fifths" of alcohol.[4] The name went through several changes over the years, until on March 24, 1969, the name was changed to Fifth Third Bank. [3]