IVAR got its first name, BOSSE, from the Swedish boxer Bo Högberg. When BOSSE was first launched in 1967, Högberg was in trouble with the law. But that was perfect for the BOSSE shelving unit, which took its design and production idea from workshops in Swedish prisons. It was an ambitious idea, of course; but surprisingly, the name was approved by Ingvar Kamprad's secretary.

When BOSSE went for an update in 1975, it was easy to come up with a new name for its comeback. This time the shelf was named after another Swedish heavyweight boxer: Ingemar 'Ingo' Johansson. The IKEA catalogue of the same year reads: "A sturdy, rustic shelf originally designed for the garage, basement or attic. Now people paint or stain INGO shelves and place them in everyday living environments, living rooms and other rooms. Good function can finally compete with quality wood, status and tradition."