The company said the name reflected the southern hemisphere focus with the two main bases - Australia and South Africa - linked by the 32nd parallel south line of latitude.

The basis for the name was suggested by an employee, while the logo represents the diversity of the company's portfolio and employees.

South32 CEO-elect Graham Kerr said the naming of the company was a major step in its setup.

"Our heritage and the places in which we operate are an important part of our identity," he said.

"While South32 is grounded in the southern hemisphere, we will retain our global reach and ambition as we seek to exceed the expectations of a global shareholder base."

Kerr said the demerger remained on track for completion in the first half of next year, with further details to be released in March ahead of a vote in May.

"Following the recent announcement of additional members of our experienced and high-calibre senior executive team and the third party approvals already achieved at this stage, we are progressing well against plan," he said.

Worsley Alumina asset president Ricus Grimbeek has been appointed as president and chief operating officer elect Australia, to be based in Perth, while BHP president, human resources Mike Fraser has been appointed as president and COO Africa, to be based in Johannesburg.

BHP director David Crawford will chair the new company, with fellow BHP directors Keith Rumble and Xolani Mkhwanazi to join him and Kerr on the board.

South32's head office will be in Perth, with a regional head office and global shared services centre in Johannesburg.

The company will have a primary listing in Australia. The ASX code ‘SOU' is available or the company could be ‘S32' now that newer tickers include numbers.

South32 will have secondary listings in Johannesburg and London.

The company does not yet have a website, with the domain name south32.com for sale.

Reviews of the name have mostly been negative so far with many saying South32 sounds more like a café than a mining company.

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