The name "ICOCA" is derived from the abbreviation of IC Operating CArd, but at the same time it's a play on words with the expression 'Ikoka' meaning 'Let's go' in Kansai accent, in order to make the name catchier and more friendly.
ICオペレーティングカード（ICOperatingCArd）の略称だが、関西弁の「行こか」（「行こう」の意味）とも掛けた、親しみやすい名称としている。