'Bing' (as the Microsoft product name) originates from modern English branding by Microsoft (2009), specifically the coined name 'Bing', chosen for its resemblance to the onomatopoeic word 'bing' (a short ringing sound) and its memorability. 'Bing' (the cherry) originates from English usage naming the cultivar after the individual 'Ah Bing' (a Chinese immigrant). The imitative 'bing' (sound) originates from English onomatopoeia, attested from the 19th century.

'Bing' as a brand was introduced by Microsoft in 2009 and was created as a short, catchy name drawn from the existing onomatopoeic word. The cherry name developed in the late 19th century when a cherry cultivar was named after 'Ah Bing'; over time the fruit became known simply as the 'Bing' cherry. The word 'bing' as an imitative sound evolved in English from general sound-imitating formations and was used to represent a short metallic or bell-like noise.

Initially, 'bing' was an imitative sound representing a short ringing noise; over time the form was adopted as a cultivar name ('Bing' cherry) and much later as a commercial brand name ('Bing' search engine). The core onomatopoeic idea (a short bright sound) has persisted while the word broadened to proper-name uses.