This article was contributed by Andrew Simon.
It is impossible to ignore the importance of a brand's logo.
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You'll see their logo everywhere, from their website and printed collateral to advertising and employee apparel. It is the most important part of a brand's promotional activities, both online and offline. Awell designed logocan give a company a unique identity and allows the target group to quickly recognize a brand.
Also, it's no secret that companies try to beat their competitors in every way they can, from sales to business logo design. They want to catch the attention of as wide an audience as possible, and a successful logo will set them apart from their competitors. That's why they areinvest a lot of moneycommission logos.
Some logos are very straight forward and simple in design, while some designers try to make them more complex. But the only thing in commonLogo-Designsis that each makes sense and tries to convey a message without saying a word.
So let's take a look at some of the most famous logos in the world and their hidden meanings.
The 10 best logos in the world explained
Below we look at the meaning behind the best logos in the world.
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- Fedex
- Amazonas
- Baskin Robbins
- Audi
- ABC
- Gucci
- Lg
- Vaio
- BMW
- Cisco
And keep scrolling for 15 more logo explanations.
Meanings of the 20 best logos in the world - explained
Below we look at the meaning of the world's best logos and explain the symbolism behind each logo.
1. Meaning of the FedEx Logo

TheLogo of this American multinational delivery serviceThe company is popular for several reasons. One is a hidden symbol that not everyone knows.
At first glance, you probably won't find the hidden message in this logo. But look at the white space between the letters "E" and "X" and you'll find an arrow pointing to the right. The hidden arrow in this logo represents the speed and precision that FedEx offers its customers, delivering packages quickly and efficiently.
Also, the different colors of the "Ex" in variations of the logo indicate specific meanings. For example, the letters appear orange on Express Parcel, green on Boden, red on Freight, yellow on Commercial Network, and light blue on Office.
2. Explanation of the Amazon logo

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From starting as an online bookstore to the world's largest e-commerce company, Amazon has achieved remarkable success. Amazon is not just an online shopping site but now offers a range of latest technologies such as an assistant and cloud services.
Like other companies, Amazon has made a number of changes to its logo design since its inception. The logo now makes it clear that they sell everything from A to Z via the orange arrow pointing from "a" to "z". The arrow also represents the smile that the customer will surely have after purchasing products in the store.
3. Explanation of the Baskin Robbins Logo

Baskin Robbins is the world's largest ice cream chain with stores around the world. Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins joined forces in 1945 to found the brand that has become known for offering delicious ice cream flavors.
The designers ofthe company logo, like many others, tried to convey a certain meaning - and they succeeded. The logo uses a blue and pink color combination. However, if you only look at the pink forms, you can see the number “31”. This is the number of ice cream flavors that the brand offers, with the idea that you can have a different flavor every day of every month.
4. Meaning of the Audi logo

Audi is synonymous with German automotive engineering. Coming from a long history of mergers and acquisitions, thecompany logorefers to its beginnings. The four rings stand for the four companies that have merged to form Audi's predecessor, Auto Union. These are Horch, the Audi works, DKW and Wanderer.
The recent revision of the company logo conveys the message "progress through technologies". The aluminum color of the rings reflects the innovative strength of the brand. This simple yet modern design is eye-catching and conveys a sense of prestige.
5. Meaning of the NBC Logo

NBC is an American commercial radio and television network company headquartered in New York. Thebrand logoDesigners skillfully crafted this logo to reflect a specific meaning and convey the essence of the brand.
When the peacock logo was first designed, color televisions had only recently been introduced and the owner of NBC made color televisions. So they used an abstraction of a peacock to indicate the richness of color, both to encourage people to watch the network's color programming and to buy color TVs.
In the latest update of the logo, the peacock's head has been turned to the right, suggesting looking to the future. The original 11 feathers were reduced to six to represent the six divisions of the network.
6. Gucci logo explained

The Gucci logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the fashion industry, if not the world.
The Gucci logo symbolizes luxury and status, represented by two stylish and timeless interlocking Gs.
But what do the two Gs in the Gucci logo represent? What does the Gucci logo mean?
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The two G's stand for the fathers of the brand, Guccio and Gucci.
7. LG Logo Explanation

LG is famous all over the world for itscreative logo design. It's pretty easy to spot the human face in the design. However, the "L" and the "G" can be a little less prominent in facial features. The nose of the face is the "L" and the outline of the face and the right eye form the "G". This conveys the closeness and connection between the company and its customers.
8. Explanation of the Vaio logo

Vaio is a great example of how you can use design to convey a message. As a well-known technology brand, they have integrated analog and digital symbolstheir logo. The first two letters "V" and "A" denote analog signals, while the last two letters "I" and "O" represent a digital binary code. The way they constructed the visual representation of this meaning is attractive and instantly triggers brand recognition.
9. Meaning of the BMW logo

This German car company manufactured aircraft engines before entering the car market. For this reason, many people believe that the colors white and blue are usedThe BMW logodepicts an airplane's white propeller and a blue sky. While not entirely correct, the use of the logo in propellers in the company's advertising and the lack of an alternative explanation from BMW have made this theory a widely held belief.
The logo shows the colors of the Free State of Bavaria, but in reverse. At that time it was forbidden to use national emblems on commercial logos in a certain order according to heraldic rules, so BMW showed them reversed.
10. Cisco Logo Explanation

Like many multinational technology companies, Cisco was founded inSan Francisco. The company incorporated this into their logo, which features the silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge that connects San Francisco to Marin County is itself a symbol of connectivity. The same blue lines that represent the bridge shape reflect the company's digital core.
11. Meaning of the Adidas logo

Adidas is the second largest sporting goods manufacturer in the world after Nike and the first choice for many athletes. As with most companies, there have been a number of revisions to the logo over the years. However, unlike other brands, Adidas continues to usemore than a logo.
Common to all logos and an instantly recognizable visual identity factor are the brand's famous three parallel stripes. Also consistent with the logos is that the brand name starts with a small “a”, which symbolizes generally accessible leisure clothing.
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The "Mountain" version shown above is used for the Sport line and is intended to represent challenges to be completed by staying focused on the end goal no matter what. The "shamrock" logo, sometimes referred to as the flower logo, is used for the brand's original line, which is still in production today. Finally, the 'globe' version of the logo is used for Adidas' everyday style line.
12. Dominos

We all know that Domino's is the largest pizza restaurant in the world with branches all over the world. The shape of the logo is no secret; a domino. However, what isn't so obvious is why the piece hasthree pointson it. When the logo was designed, there were three Domino's stores. It's fortunate they haven't attempted to update the logo to reflect new franchises as the chain now has over 15,000 stores worldwide.
13. Mitsubishi logo explained

The logo of the Japanese car manufacturer,Mitsubishi, directly stands for the brand name itself. "Mitsu" means three in Japanese and "hishi" (or "bishi" as it's pronounced in this context) means water chestnut, denoting a diamond shape.
The shape (and thus the brand name) is said to be related to the family crest of the Mitsubishi founder and his first employer.
14. Meaning of the IBM Logo

IBM's seemingly simple logouses only a single color and the brand name and manages to successfully grab attention and trigger brand recognition. The logo known as "Big Blue" is one of the most recognizable logos in the world.
Created byPaul RandIn 1972, the logo is one of the few that has remained unchanged for over 40 years. Blue was the color chosen to convey the sophistication of the company. Before the redesign, the logo featured 13 horizontal stripes that represented liveliness and speed. In the edge redesign, the number of stripes was reduced to eight, indicating speed and dynamism.
15. Meaning of the Pinterest logo

This social media site has connected millions of people around the world. The name "Pinterest" comes from the concept of pinning interesting objects to a pin board. So it's not surprising that the logo designers took inspiration from a lapel pin. The white letter "P" in the middle of the red logo is an abstract image of a pin that is so integral to the brand's identity.
16. Meaning of the Unilever logo

If you look closely you will see themUnilever-Logoon a variety of household products, from hair care and cleaning products to ice cream and soup sachets.
The blue "U" clearly stands for the brand name. Less obvious are the 25 symbols hidden within, each representing an aspect of Unilever's business. For example, a lock of hair represents the brand's shampoos and a tea leaf represents its range of teas.
17. Meaning of the Apple logo

The first everApple-Logo, a picture of Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree depicting the discovery of gravitational force, lasted only a year. It was quickly replaced with the strikingly simple yet colorful graphic of an apple with a bite. The hues highlighted the world's first computer with a color display, the Apple II.
Why an apple? Some theories allude to original sin, others to Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who died after eating a cyanide-laced apple. Steve Jobs simply claimed it was his favorite fruit. And the bite? This distinguishes the apple from other round fruits and vegetables.
18. Nike logo explained

TheNike „Swoosh“is perhaps one of the most recognizable logos in the world. The logo was designed in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a then college student. She was paid $2 an hour to subsidize oil painting classes for a total fee of just $35. She was later paid with an undisclosed amount of Nike stock. Most commonly rendered in plain black, the shape represents movement.
20. Toyota logo explained

TheLogo of Toyotais a great example of how you can create a logo with hidden meanings. This layered logo surprised everyone with an eye-catching three ellipse design.
The integration of the letter "T" is perhaps obvious. What is not so easy to see is that the inner horizontal ellipse symbolizes customer expectations, while the inner vertical ellipse represents Toyota's ideal. The outer ellipse that surrounds them symbolizes the global reach and enormous potential of the brand.
frequently asked Questions
What are some of the best hidden message logos?
Our favorite is the FedEx logo, followed by the Amazon logo for the best and smartest use of icons in their logos. The FedEx logo has an arrow in the center that alludes to the speed and precision with which they deliver their packages.
What are some of the more typical uses of hidden messages in logos?
Typically, the hidden messages in logos imply a number, a place, or even the brand purpose and identity. Although many of these logos may appear nondescript at first glance, they add to the brand image.
What does the Apple logo mean?
The Apple logo alludes to Sir Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity. Although there's also some debate as to whether it's the symbol of original sin or the fact that it's Steve Job's favorite fruit, we'll go with Sir Isaac Newton.
What are some of the car companies that have a deeper meaning of the logo?
Mitsubishi, Toyota, Audi and BMW are companies whose logos have secret meanings or meanings.
What is the meaning behind the Amazon logo?
The Amazon logo has an arrow pointing from A to Z, symbolizing their mission to deliver a wide range of products. And of course, the arrow is in the shape of a smile, showing customer satisfaction.
Why are hidden meanings important in logos?
Hidden meanings in logos contribute to the story of the brand and serve as a powerful storytelling and brand identity tool over the long term. While most people may not understand these hidden messages, in the long run they help build lore and brand images.
What are some important factors in creating a logo with meaning?
For those who want to create the best hidden meaning logos, it mostly comes down to brand goals and storytelling. Most consumers enjoy the foundation of a brand and the elements that went into creating it. When creating a logo with hidden meaning, it's important to keep that in mind.
Should colors play an important role in creating a logo with meaning?
Absolutely! When creating logos with meaning, colors can be used to denote the place of origin, the overall aesthetic, and even the image of the brand. For example, the IKEA logo uses the colors yellow and blue, which is a nod to their country of origin – Sweden.
World's Best Logos Explained Summary
What do you think of the world's most famous logos and their hidden meanings? Finding hidden meanings in logos is an exciting and fun process. For consumers, it helps them feel a deeper connection with the brand and the brand's ideals.
Do you have any other logos you would like explained? With so many logos out there, we're bound to have missed some of the most important ones. Was this list helpful? Let us know in the comments below.
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FAQs
The 20 most famous logos in the world and their true meaning? ›
Coca-Cola logo and brand is the most recognisable in the world. The red and white Coca-Cola logo is recognised by 94% of the world's population. The importance of a logo design can't be understated as is shown from this list of most famous logos.
What is the most famous logo in the world? ›Coca-Cola logo and brand is the most recognisable in the world. The red and white Coca-Cola logo is recognised by 94% of the world's population. The importance of a logo design can't be understated as is shown from this list of most famous logos.
What is the true meaning of logos? ›Logos - Longer definition: The Greek word logos (traditionally meaning word, thought, principle, or speech) has been used among both philosophers and theologians.
What logos have a secret meaning? ›For example, the letter 'b' in the Beats by Dre logo symbolizes a headphone. The Sun Microsystems logo is a processor chip that spells out SUN in every direction. The three ellipses in Toyota's logo include every alphabet of the company name. The letters 'C' and the 'o' in the Continental logo form the shape of a tyre.
What is the oldest logo ever? ›British tea company Twinings has the oldest logo that has been in continuous use with no alterations made to the logo's design. It was created for the tea company more than two centuries ago, in 1787.
What is the oldest logo in the world? ›Twinings Tea
The company started up in London in 1706, but created its iconic logo in 1787. It's the oldest logo in the world that's had fully unceasing use.
In Christianity, the Logos (Greek: Λόγος, lit. 'word, discourse, or reason') is a name or title of Jesus Christ, seen as the pre-existent second person of the Trinity.
What is the meaning of the Pepsi logo? ›The logo is derived from goddess' wing,'swoosh', which symbolises the sound of speed, movement, power and motivation. Agencies.
Does logos mean soul? ›Psychology: The word psychology is derived from two Greek words “psyche” and “logos”. Psyche means soul (life) and logos means knowledge (explanation) or the study of the soul.
What's hidden in the FedEx logo? ›There is an arrow hidden in the FedEx logo. (If you've never noticed, go take a look, and prepare to be blown away.) The clever use of the negative space between the last two letters has won the logo several awards and makes it one of the most effective ever created.
What is the hidden message in FedEx? ›
Meaning behind FedEx logo
The FedEx logo is mostly known for its tricky optical illusion. If you look closely between letters E and X, you'll spot a white arrow. It stands for speed, accuracy, strive for perfection, and perseverance in achieving goals.
logos, (Greek: “word,” “reason,” or “plan”) plural logoi, in ancient Greek philosophy and early Christian theology, the divine reason implicit in the cosmos, ordering it and giving it form and meaning.
What was the first logos? ›The first logo ever trademarked was in 1876 for Bass Brewery. It was a red triangle with the “Bass” text beneath, in a sweeping cursive text not dissimilar to Coca Cola's instantly recognizable scrawl.
What is the golden rule for logos? ›The golden rules of logo design
This means brands need to differentiate themselves visually to avoid being confused. Differentiation is achieved through brand identity design—a range of elements that work together to create a distinctive picture of the brand in our minds.
1. Deere. Deere & Company's trademark image of a deer leaping over a log was registered in 1876, but the company began using it three years before.
What is the vintage logo? ›Also known as retro or classic style logos, vintage logos have a “grunge” or weathered appearance. Vintage logos will often include a small color pallet of just one to three colors that are often dulled or muted.
What is an original logo called? ›A trademark (also written trade mark or trade-mark) is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services from a particular source and distinguishes them from others.
What is the oldest American brand? ›Shirley Plantation is the oldest company in the US, founded in Virginia in 1613, 163 years before the United States was a country.
How old is the Nike logo? ›The Nike Swoosh corporate trademark was created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson while she was a graphic design student at Portland State University.
What makes a logo look old? ›- Typography: decorative, ornate, and funky typefaces are typical in vintage design. For a retro 70s look, go with a funky font. ...
- Color palette: retro color palettes often include tans and muted colors. ...
- Graphic design aspects: use images that remind people of the past or their childhood.
What is the word of God called? ›
synonyms: Bible, Book, Christian Bible, Good Book, Holy Scripture, Holy Writ, Scripture, Word.
Who wrote about Jesus as the Logos? ›In the book of John, he begins by describing Jesus as the “Word” (Jn 1:1, 14). This is John's translation of “the Logos”; it utilizes Philo's Jewish Philosophy and the masculine form of “Sophia”.
Which gospel uses logos? ›John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word (logos), and the Word (logos) was with God, and the Word (logos) was God.
What is the meaning of the Coca Cola logo? ›Coca-Cola Logo: Color Palette
Initially, the company used black and white color palette to portray professionalism, seriousness, class, power and purity. Later, the soft drink giant used the red and white color scheme to symbolize passion, youth, energy, love, pureness and class.
What is The Coca-Cola Company's ticker symbol and where does your stock trade? Our stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KO.
Why is Pepsi blue? ›Focus groups loved the taste, but they had one suggestion: Make it blue. That's what led the company to roll out Pepsi Blue, the world's first cola that could easily be mistaken for antifreeze or window cleaner.
What is the opposite of logos? ›Some modern usage in Christian theology distinguishes rhema from logos (which here refers to the written scriptures) while rhema refers to the revelation received by the reader from the Holy Spirit when the Word (logos) is read, although this distinction has been criticized.
What are the three basic of logos? ›Now that we've covered the three main types of logos (wordmark, monogram, and combination mark), we'll talk about three less common types of logos.
What logos mean in psychology? ›The word 'psychology' is derived from two Greek words, 'psyche', meaning the mind, soul or spirit and 'logos', meaning discourse or to. study.
Why did FedEx leave a door tag? ›Why did I get a door tag? Sometimes we will leave a door tag because you're not home and the delivery requires your signature. Also, in some cases, if the driver can't find a secure space to leave your package, they will leave a door tag.
What does the Amazon logo mean? ›
When one initially looks at Amazon logo the arrow at the bottom seems like a smiley face, but it is more than that. The arrow is pointed from a to the z; representing the fact that Amazon offers sheer variety of products for sale. And the smiley depicts customer's satisfaction. Agencies.
What is the hidden message in the Coca Cola logo? ›If observed carefully, the logo of the Coca-Cola company displays the Danish flag between the letter 'O' and the letter 'L'. Although the company has never claimed to represent a 'Danish' flag in its logo, still it uses this co-incidence in its marketing campaigns.
What does the white cap on Pepsi mean? ›Economic hardship compelled the company to use white cap when the cap suppliers could not get imported materials to make the blue caps. The white caps are used as stop gaps until the manufacturer can supply the blue caps.” Giving credence to the message on the company's website, spokesperson of the company, Mr.
Why did Pepsi change their color? ›Key design elements include: The Pepsi globe and wordmark unite to fit into a variety of settings and emphasize the distinctive Pepsi branding. An updated color palette introduces electric blue and black to bring contrast, vibrancy, and a contemporary edge to the classic Pepsi color scheme.
What is Pepsi Black info? ›Pepsi Max (also known as Pepsi Black in some countries) is a low-calorie, sugar-free cola, marketed by PepsiCo as an alternative to Pepsi and Diet Pepsi.
What is hidden in the Wendy's logo? ›Fans believe that Wendy's collar spells out 'Mom' in a nod to the company's humble home-cooked roots. However, before you invest yourself in the logo's secret meaning too much, a spokesperson for Wendy's has denied that the Easter egg was intentional.
What is the hidden logo of NBC? ›NBC's logo has a couple of hidden meanings. It's clear that it's a peacock, but why? When the logo was developed color televisions were being introduced (explaining the rainbow of colors), and the network wanted a logo that would cause black and white tv owners to make the switch.
What is the hidden message in goodwill? ›Goodwill is a nonprofit organization that helps disadvantaged people in North America. The letter G in the logo is a smiling face, conveying the notion that Goodwill provides happiness and relief to those in need.
What is Catholic logos? ›Logos, THE (Gr. Logos; Lat. Verbum-Word). —The word Logos is the term by which Christian theology in the Greek language designates the Word of God, or Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
What is Holy Spirit? ›The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Lord and Giver of Life in the Nicene creed. He is the Creator Spirit, present before the creation of the universe and through his power everything was made in Jesus Christ, by God the Father.
What does the disciple logo mean? ›
The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism. The Story of the Chalice Logo. Order chalice stickers.
What is logos for dummies? ›Logos is a rhetorical or persuasive appeal to the audience's logic and rationality. Examples of logos can be found in argumentative writing and persuasive arguments, in addition to literature and poetry.
Why is it called a logo? ›A logo (abbreviation of logotype; from Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos) 'word, speech', and τύπος (túpos) 'mark, imprint') is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition.
What are two types of logos? ›There are two main logo categories: Image or icon-based logos and name-based logos. However, nine types of logos fit into these groups, and in this post, we will break them down for you.
Why do logos always face right? ›When logos point in a particular direction, they nearly always face to the right, appearing to move in that direction. This is no coincidence. Our natural tendency is to scan images from left to right, even when there's no text in the image.
What is the richest logo? ›The company usually considered to have the most expensive brand logo is Symantec. People say the technology company spent a massive $1.28 billion on their current branding. However, it's worth noting this price tag wasn't specifically for the Symantec logo.
What is the most recognizable logo in the US? ›According to the survey, the simple 'apple' icon is the most recognizable logo in the US, followed by the golden arches of McDonald's and the familiar typography of Coca Cola.
What is a powerful logo? ›A powerful logo is an emblem, symbol, or device that is used to identify a company. Logos are important because they act as the identifying mark of the company. They are symbols that distinguish one company from another. 5 Key Elements of Any Successful Logo Design.
How much is the Coca Cola logo worth? ›Coca-Cola: $0
According to the soft drink's website, Robinson "suggested the name Coca‑Cola, thinking that 'the two Cs would look well in advertising'.
Anywhere between $0 and $200 for your logo. Many of the best online logo makers charge higher fees for highly customized and high-resolution logos. You can save on your costs if you plan and choose exactly what your brand needs.
How much Apple paid for their logo? ›
Jobs unexpectedly received a sassy reply from Paul: “You give me $ 100,000 and I'll solve the problem, Then it's up to you to use the trademark or not, I don't care”. Steve smiled and accepted. Paul Rand elaborated the design and introduced it in the presence of Steve and his collaborators.
What are the 10 most recognizable logos in America? ›- Apple.
- McDonald's.
- Coca-Cola.
- Nike.
- Starbucks.
- Google.
- Facebook.
- Adidas.
A memorable logo by definition is one that is not forgotten, which makes them timeless. Timelessness describes logos that are able to transcend their current audience and cultural context, and are designed with the future in mind.
What does the circle in a logo mean? ›Because of this, circle are universally symbolic for wholeness, perfection, completeness and cyclic motion. They are also representative of community, friendship, inclusivity and strength. So, it is no wonder that circle logos are one of the most popular logo shapes.
Which logo style is best? ›Combination logos are fantastic for new businesses who want the benefits of both a unique typography and a unique symbol. Abstract logos express a message through graphical elements. The human brain is better at remembering unique designs, therefore, customers are more likely to remember abstract logo types.
How much did Nike pay for logo? ›Conversation. In 1971, Nike hired a student to create a logo. She was paid $35 for her design. Carolyn Davidson was a graphic design student.
Why do people pay so much for a logo? ›Why are logos so expensive? A logo design can be so expensive because the process of arriving at a top-quality logo takes time and talent, and a great logo can help a business succeed. A professionally designed logo is the result of a process called a design funnel.