What's Your Number: The Story Behind The Digits In Famous Band Names

Blink-182

36_Mafia

Matchbox Twenty

30 Seconds To Mars

sum_41

Nine Inch Nails

KRS-1

Eve 6

3-doors-down

d12

10000 Maniacs

10cc

L7

Ben Folds Five

311

Three Dog Night

Eiffel 65

Finger 11

UB40

Ten Years After

We've all been there: You're chilling out, listening to your favorite Sum-41, matchbox twenty, or blink-182 album (Enema of the State is a personal favorite)  but the whole time you're thinking "Damn, why does this band name look just like a '90s AIM handle?" It happens to us all the time. Rock is filled with groups that have puzzling digits in their names. But what do they MEAN!? Why wasn't it 31 Seconds to Mars, or Ten Inch Nails!? Well we at VH1 got on the case and have finally gotten the real story behind these mysterious monikers.

The phenomenon crosses all genres, from Academy Award  hip hop artists Three 6 Mafia, to classic Europop like Eiffel 65 (yes, the "Blue" people) and 10cc. For years we've wondered about the meaning behind these numeric names, and the results will surprise you, amuse you and in some cases crack you up. Which group is named for the number of times Al Pacino says "f--k" in Scarface, the police code for indecent exposure, or an eyeball-munching X-Files character? Head up to the gallery above to find out!

[Photo: Getty Images]