The name "Zephyrette" is derived from the "Zephyr" trains run by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, beginning with the revolutionary streamlined, stainless steel, diesel-powered "Pioneer Zephyr" that debuted in 1934. After the "Pioneer Zephyr" made its historic dawn-to-dusk run from Denver to Chicago in May 1934, coinciding with the Century of Progress International Exposition, the Burlington decided to implement an overnight "Denver Zephyr" between the two cities in 1936.