Bantam designed the Jeep. Not Willys. Willys got the contract to build them because the USG didn't think Bantam had the capacity to, Bantam did get the contract to build trailers for them though.

The term Jeep was in use before the Bantam version was built. In fact the Dodge trucks were called jeeps for awhile. Escort carriers were called jeep carriers.

The term general purpose, in military speak, means no specific function not "good for everything".

But the point was how the Jeep was ORIGINALLY designed to be. Not today's show poodles. Capable of keep up with the troops in the field as a general purpose utility vehicle. Not going to the mall for a shopping spree.