The brand Zebra has existed since 1914 and the history of the brand is that the founder Mr. Ishikawa wanted an internationally viable name. He opened a dictionary and started flipping from the back (Japanese layout) and got hooked on Zebra. After further reading that zebras are kind with a strong family instinct and those were factors he wanted in the company. The fact that zebras also appear to be painted with calligraphy pens was probably a contributing factor in the choice of name.