One Direction was formed on the British reality show 'The X Factor' in 2010. After Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik all failed to progress as solo artists, judge Simon Cowell put them together as a group. The name 'One Direction' was suggested by Harry Styles. During a meeting at the house where the contestants were staying, Harry came up with the name because he thought it 'sounded cool' and reflected the fact that they were all moving toward the same goal. The group famously finished third in the competition but went on to become one of the most successful boy bands of all time, with five chart-topping albums and a massive global following known as 'Directioners.' Despite going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, the members have all achieved significant success as solo artists.