The name "Ghibli" is derived from the Italian word "ghibli," which means "hot Sahara desert wind." The choice of this name is said to reflect the founders' desire to blow new life into the world of animation, much like a refreshing breeze or wind.
Hayao Miyazaki, one of the co-founders of Studio Ghibli, chose the name because he wanted the studio's work to be a breath of fresh air in the animation industry. It symbolizes the studio's aspiration to bring new and innovative ideas to the world of animation and storytelling. The name "Ghibli" has since become synonymous with high-quality, creative, and imaginative animated films.