Here's Why People Are Suddenly Calling Patrick "Subaru"

If you’ve heard Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants being called "Subaru" and you’re completely confused — trust me, you’re not alone. At first glance, the two have absolutely nothing in common.

This makes it nearly impossible to figure out how the nickname came to be. But after some digging, the reason behind it is a pretty simple explanation. Let's get into it.

People call Patrick Star "Subaru" because a SpongeBob SquarePants fan named Kylie appears to have started the nickname in 2021. She began calling Patrick Subaru simply because "Subaru is a cute word, and Patrick looks cute," as she revealed in the comment section of a March 6, 2025 TikTok.

Kylie, who says she goes by Kmh1481 on the SpongeBob Wiki fan page, first introduced the nickname when she commented, "I hate that even Subaru took part in No SpongeBob Day. What kind of best friend is he?" Someone asked, "Who’s Subaru?" to which Kylie clarified, "I call Patrick Subaru."

While the nickname has been around for years, it didn’t go viral until 2025. Wanting to make sure she got credit, Kylie took to TikTok in March 2025 to confirm she started it and has offered proof for anyone skeptical.

She also revealed that she once asked Patrick’s voice actor, Bill Fagerbakke, during a virtual auction to reference Patrick as "Subaru" in an episode.

Although Bill didn’t have Patrick outright say the name, fans believe he subtly acknowledged it in Episode 305, "The Dirty Bubble Bass." As the characters introduce their alter egos, Patrick says, "And I’m affordable car." SpongeBob then corrects him, "Don’t you mean Barnacle Star?" to which Patrick responds, "What he said."

Kylie believes this was Bill’s way of slipping in a nod to her nickname — even if he didn’t say "Subaru" outright.

While Kylie seems to be the originator of Patrick's nickname Subaru, it has since taken on a life of its own. At this point, people are calling him "Subaru" just for the fun of it, with some even trying to claim credit for coining the name. Fans have also pointed out that there’s actually a Patrick Subaru car dealership in Shrewsbury, Mass., which only adds to the nickname’s appeal.

Whether or not Kylie took inspiration from the dealership is unclear — it could just be a coincidence. Either way, the fact that Patrick is now associated with Subaru, and that a Patrick Subaru exists in real life, is pretty wild. And honestly, it weirdly makes sense — his last name is Star, and the Subaru logo has six stars.

Regardless of what originally inspired her, Ms. Kylie wants people to spread the word that she’s the one who started the nickname. Many are giving her credit in the comments of her recent TikTok videos, thanking her for creating this "goated meme." One person wrote, "I love this. The fact u have proof — ur my fav," to which Kylie proudly responded, "Yes, I’m the one!"