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The Secrets Behind 12 Famous Logos: Uncovering Hidden Meanings

By | First Published: | Last Updated: 12 December, 2023

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of some of the world’s most iconic logos? Logos can, and often should, have obvious meanings, but some well-known logos also carry hidden meanings and fascinating stories that can pique your curiosity. Join me as I delve into the world of logo design and uncover the secrets behind t12 famous ones.

1. Australia Post

The logo design not only represents the letter ‘P’ but also includes the shape of a mail horn—an instrument that guards used on mail coaches during the 18th and 19th centuries. This symbol, still used in the logos of many postal services worldwide, from Argentina to Iceland, carries a rich historical legacy.

australia post logo vector

2. Nike

The Nike Swoosh, that iconic curved checkmark, represents motion and speed. It’s all about athleticism and performance. Moreover, it subtly resembles the wing of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, adding an extra layer of symbolism.

nike logo 150

3. Apple

The Apple logo, a simple apple with a bite taken from it, holds a deep meaning. It’s a clever nod to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge. The missing bite signifies the discovery of knowledge, and it also references the brand’s original name, Apple Computer Inc.

apple logo

4. Amazon

Amazon’s logo isn’t just a fancy font. The arrow in the design starts at ‘a’ and ends at ‘z,’ signifying that Amazon provides everything from ‘A’ to ‘Z.’ But that’s not all; it cleverly forms a smile, indicating their customer-centric approach to make you smile with their service.

amazon logo

5. FedEx

Take a closer look at the FedEx logo, and you’ll notice a hidden arrow between the ‘E’ and ‘x.’ That arrow is more than just a design element; it symbolises the speed and precision of FedEx’s delivery services.

fedex express arrow

6. Toyota

The two ovals inside the bigger oval overlap to show “T” for Toyota and a steering wheel to represent the car. The big oval stands for the whole world that Toyota is a part of. These ovals have lines of different thicknesses, just like the brush strokes in Japanese art.

toyota logo

7. BMW

BMW’s logo is more than a spinning propeller; it’s a nod to the brand’s roots as an aircraft engine manufacturer. The propeller symbolises movement and progress, reminding us of their legacy in aviation.

bmw logo

8. McDonalds

The iconic golden arches of McDonald’s aren’t just random curves; they were originally designed to resemble two giant French fries. Today, they symbolise McDonald’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

mcdonalds golden arches

9. Toblerone

The Toblerone logo, with a mountain-like shape hidden in the letters ‘T’ and ‘O,’ pays homage to its Swiss origins. The mountain represents the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland, where Toblerone was born.

toblerone logo

10. Pepsi

Pepsi’s logo features a circle with red, white, and blue colours, resembling the American flag. This design highlights Pepsi’s American roots and patriotism, connecting it to its home country.

pepsi logo

11. Adidas

Adidas’ logo, those three parallel bars or stripes, has an interesting meaning. Originally symbolising a mountain, the three stripes now represent the challenges and goals people set for themselves in sports and life. They also reflect the brand’s diverse range of products.

adidas isologo

12. QANTAS

Adidas’ logo, those three parallel bars or stripes, has an interesting meaning. Originally symbolising a mountain, the three stripes now represent the challenges and goals people set for themselves in sports and life. They also reflect the brand’s diverse range of products.

qantas airways logo
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SHAUN KILLIAN

Shaun Killian (me) is a small business owner, who is passionate about helping other small businesses succeed. He has been working with website design since 2008. He is also an expert in digital marketing, including SEO, content marketing and email marketing. In a former life, Shaun was a school teacher and principal before a heart transplant and bilateral leg amputation led him in other directions.