KM Digital Creatives is a branding and logo design studio that helps SaaS, AI, and modern tech businesses create memorable, scalable logos. This guide curated the 100 most famous logos in the world — not just to list them, but to explain why they are iconic and what startup founders can learn from them.

Why Famous Logos Matter for Founders

These famous brand logos have shaped how people recognize companies, trust products, and remember brands. From Apple and Google to Nike and Coca-Cola, each logo on this list represents years of design evolution, market positioning, and visual storytelling.

Across these iconic logos, a few principles stand out — simplicity, recognizability, and consistency. Simple shapes and clean typography help famous logos like Apple and Nike become instantly memorable, while consistent use over time reinforces brand identity in the minds of users and customers. These same principles guide modern tech startup branding: easy recognition builds trust, and scalable design systems ensure logos work across apps, websites, and product interfaces — all things we focus on at KM Digital Creatives.

What Makes These Famous Logos Work (Lessons for Founders)

Great logos are not accidents; they are built on clear strategy, simplicity, relevance, and recognizability. These principles help companies stand out in crowded markets, something every startup must do.

One of the earliest examples of a logo driving brand recognition is Coca-Cola. Founded in 1886 by John Pemberton, the company started as a simple medicinal drink. Its flowing script logo, introduced in 1887, helped create an emotional connection with customers and made the brand instantly recognizable — a reminder that strong typography and consistency are key to long-term brand trust.

Another legendary name in our list of 100 famous logos with names is Harley-Davidson. Founded in 1903, the brand introduced its famous “Bar & Shield” logo in 1910 so it could be easily recognized even at high speeds.

That clarity and boldness turned Harley-Davidson into more than a motorcycle company — it became a lifestyle brand built around identity and loyalty.

Few logos demonstrate the power of branding better than Nike. When the company introduced the Swoosh in 1971, it was designed to represent movement, energy, and ambition — exactly what the brand wanted to stand for. Over time, that simple mark became one of the most valuable brand assets in the world.

These stories show that great logos don’t just look good — they help businesses grow, stand out, and earn trust. That’s why modern brands still study the most famous logos of all time when creating or refining their own visual identities.

Why Startup Founders Should Study Famous Logos Before Designing Theirs

Understanding how iconic logos work teaches startups how to communicate value clearly and quickly — a critical factor when attracting users, customers, and investors.

Adidas Logo: The Three-Stripes Symbol for a Winning Brand

​There are few logos as recognized as the Adidas three-stripes. Whether you’re a fan of the brand or not, you have to admit that the logo is one of the most influential and well-known in the world to be listed among 100 best logos of all the time. And it’s not just because of its association with some of the world’s greatest athletes. The simple, yet powerful, design of the logo is what has made it so popular and timeless.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the history of the Adidas logo and how it has evolved over the years. We’ll also explore the meaning behind the three-stripes symbol and what it represents for the brand.

The history of the Adidas logo is actually quite fascinating. The brand was founded in 1949 by German brothers Adolf and Rudolf Dassler. The brothers started the company after their previous business venture, Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory, fell apart.

Adidas’ first logo was actually quite similar to its current logo. It featured three parallel stripes that were meant to represent the company’s three founding principles: quality, variety, and innovation.

The current Adidas logo was designed in 1971 by Terry Heckler. Heckler was inspired by the three stripe design of the company’s previous logo but wanted to make it more modern. He achieved this by narrowing the stripes and making them equal in width.

The meaning behind the Adidas three-stripes logo is actually quite simple. The stripes are meant to represent the company’s commitment to quality, variety, and innovation. These are the three pillars that the brand was founded on and they continue to be the cornerstone of everything that Adidas does.

The three-stripes logo is so iconic that it’s become one of the most commonly imitated logos in the world. In fact, it’s estimated that there are over 100 knock-off versions of the logo being used by other companies.

Despite this, the Adidas three-stripes logo remains one of the most recognizable and popular logos in the world as one of the top 100 logos of all the time. It’s a symbol of quality, innovation, and success that has helped propel the brand to the top of the global athletic wear market.

Apple Logo: The Bite-Size Story of a Global Giant

​Apple is one of the most iconic companies in the world. And their logo is just as iconic. The simple, yet easily recognizable, logo has been a symbol of the company for over four decades.

The original Apple logo was designed by Ron Wayne, one of the co-founders of the company. The logo featured a woodcut of Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. The bitten apple was added a few years later by another one of the co-founders, Steve Jobs. Jobs thought that the original logo was too “ geeky” and wanted something that would be more appealing to the masses.

Since then, the logo has undergone a few minor changes, but the overall design has remained the same. And it’s become one of the most famous logos in the world thus making the 100 best logos of all time.

 

 

Here are some fascinating facts about the Apple logo:

-The original logo was hand drawn by Ron Wayne.

-Steve Jobs wanted the logo to be bite-size so that it could be easily recognized.

-The bitten apple was meant to represent the knowledge that Newton gained after being hit on the head by an apple.

-The colours of the logo (white and multi-coloured) were chosen to represent the diversity of the Apple products.

-The logo has been featured on some of the most popular products in the world, including the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

-It is estimated that the Apple logo is recognized by over 90% of the world’s population.

-In 1997, the logo was voted as the “most recognized” logo in the world.

-The Apple logo is one of the most valuable brands in the world, worth over $100 billion.

McDonald’s Logo: Golden Arches of Cuisine Around the Globe

​Next in our list of popular 100 famous logos with names is McDonald’s, one of the most popular fast food chains in the world. The golden arches of the McDonald’s logo are recognized around the globe. The company has been in business for over 50 years and their logo has undergone some changes over time.

The original McDonald’s logo was designed by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1962. The golden arches of the logo represent the letter “M” for McDonald’s. The colors of the logo are red and yellow because those are the colors that are most recognizable to people.

In 1968, the company decided to change the colors of the logo to black and white. They did this because they wanted to be able to print the logo on packaging and advertisements. The black and white logo is still in use today and is one of the most iconic logos in the world.

In 2003, McDonald’s decided to update their logo again. They kept the same basic design but made the arches more curvaceous. They also changed the font of the text beneath the arches. The company has said that the update was meant to give the logo a more “contemporary and modern” look. Thus making it’s position more stronger in the list of  top 100 logos of all time.

The McDonald’s logo is one of the most recognized logos in the world. It is a simple but effective design that has been updated over time to keep up with the times. The golden arches of the logo represent the letter “M” for McDonald’s and are recognized around the globe as a symbol of the company.​

Coca-Cola Logo: Refreshment Through Red and White Swirls

​Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. The red and white swirls of their logos are synonymous with refreshment. But how did this world-famous logo come to be?

The original Coca-Cola logo was created by John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola. Pemberton was a pharmacist and he chose the name Coca-Cola for his drink because it contained coca leaves and kola nuts. The drink was first sold in 1886 and Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson, created the now-famous Spencerian script.

The Coca-Cola logo has undergone a few changes over the years among famous logo names, but the basic red and white color scheme has remained the same. In 1891, Asa Candler, who bought the Coca-Cola company from Pemberton, commissioned a new logo from Robinson. This logo featured the word “Coca-Cola” in a fancy script surrounded by two loops.

The next change to the Coca-Cola logo came in 1929. This was the first time the company used the abbreviation “Coke” in their logo. The word “Coke” was written in a more simple font and surrounded by a red disc.

In 1941, Coca-Cola introduced a new logo that was very similar to the one we know today. The word “Coke” was written in the same simple font, but the red disc was replaced by two red swirls. This logo was designed to be more recognizable and easier to read.

The Coca-Cola logos we know and love today were introduced in 1971. The word “Coca-Cola” was written in a more modern font and the two red swirls were replaced by white ones. This logo was designed to be more minimalistic and easy to read from a distance.

The Coca-Cola logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It has undergone a few changes over the years, but the basic red and white color scheme has remained the same. The logo is synonymous with refreshment and it continues to be one of the most popular drinks in the world.

Google Logo: A Colorful Icon Interpreted By Different Cultures

​Logos are often iconic symbols that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The Google logo is no exception. This colorful icon has been interpreted by different cultures around the world in a variety of ways.

The Google logo was designed by Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the co-founders of Google. The original logo was a wordmark, with the letters “G” and “o” in different colors. The colors were chosen to represent the different google services: yellow for searches, blue for Gmail, red for YouTube, and green for Android.

Over the years, the Google logo has undergone a number of changes. The most recent change came in September 2015, when the logo was updated to include a Material Design-inspired “G” icon.

The Material Design update was not well-received by everyone. In fact, some people interpreted the new logo as a sign that Google was becoming more corporate and less fun.

No matter what your interpretation of the Google logo may be, there’s no doubt that it’s a recognizable and iconic symbol. And it will always still in the list of 100 famous logos with names for years to come.

Nike Logo: Swoosh It for Greatness

​Nike is one of the most popular brands in the world and their logo is one of the highly recognized among 100 best logos of all time. The Nike swoosh is simple, yet powerful and it has helped to make Nike one of the most successful businesses in the world.

The Nike swoosh was created in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a student at Portland State University. Nike co-founder Phil Knight was so impressed with Davidson’s design that he asked her to become the company’s first in-house graphic designer.

The Nike swoosh has undergone some minor changes over the years, but the general design has remained the same. Nike has used the power of the swoosh to create some of the most iconic advertising campaigns in history. The “Just Do It” slogan is one of the most recognizable slogans in the world and it has helped to make Nike a household name.

The Nike swoosh is more than just a logo, it is a symbol of greatness. Nike has used the swoosh to create an empire and they show no signs of slowing down. If you want to be a part of something great, then you need to Swoosh it for greatness.

Starbucks Logo: The Siren’s Song of Coffee Lovers Everywhere

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Starbucks is one of the most recognizable brands in the world thus topping itself among 100 best logos of all time. The Starbucks logo is one of the most recognizable logos as well. But what does the Starbucks logo mean? And how did it come to be one of the most instantly recognizable logos around?

The Starbucks logo was designed by an advertising agency in 1971. The logo was inspired by a nautical theme, specifically the twin-tailed siren from Greek mythology. The siren was a creature that was half-woman, half-bird. The siren’s song was said to be so beautiful that it lured sailors to their doom.

While the meaning of the Starbucks logo may be a bit obscure, there is no mistaking its impact. This is a logo that has come to represent coffee lovers everywhere. When you see that familiar green and white Mermaid, you know you’re in for a good cup of coffee.

Adobe Logo: Creative Spark Behind an Illustrious Logo

​Adobe is one of the most popular and well-known software companies in the world, and their logo is just as iconic. The Adobe logo has evolved over the years one of the 100 best logos , but it has always maintained its core elements: the stylized A and the mountain peak.

The current Adobe logo was introduced in 2013, and it is a slightly updated version of the previous logo. The new logo is sleeker and more modern, and the mountain peak has been simplified.

The Adobe logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world calling itself top 100 logos with names, and it perfectly represents the company’s brand. Adobe is all about creativity, and their logo reflects that. The stylized A is both unique and recognizable, and the mountain peak symbolizes the company’s commitment to excellence.

Adobe is a company that is constantly innovating, and their logo perfectly reflects that. They are always looking for ways to improve and evolve, and that is reflected in their logo design. Adobe is a company that you can trust to provide you with the best creative tools, and their logo is a reflection of that. Thank you, Adobe, for your commitment to creativity and excellence!

BMW Logo: The Blue and White Emblem of Precision and Quality

​There are few car logos as recognizable as the BMW logo. The blue and white emblem is synonymous with quality and precision, and has become one of the most iconic symbols in the automotive industry.

BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German multinational corporation which produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles. The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, but it wasn’t until 1928 that they produced their first motorcycle. 12 years later, in 1940, they rolled out their first car, the BMW 303.

Since then, BMW has become one of the most successful automakers in the world. In 2018, they sold over 2.5 million vehicles globally. And a large part of that success is due to their iconic logo and can be noted among 100 famous logos without names but a strong iconic logo.

The BMW logo is a simple yet powerful design. It consists of a roundel with a blue and white background. The inner circle is white, while the outer circle is blue. And in the center of the roundel is the company’s name, “BMW”, written in a sans-serif font.

The blue and white colors of the logo are taken from the Bavarian flag, the state in which BMW was founded. The roundel itself is a symbol of strength and power, as well as movement and speed. Combined, these elements create a logo that perfectly represents the brand.

The BMW logo has undergone a few minor changes over the years, but the overall design has remained the same. And it’s this consistency that has helped make it one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, there’s no denying that the BMW logo is a symbol of quality and success. It’s a true icon in the automotive industry, and it’s likely to remain that way for many years to come.

And so now we have learnt most about the 100 famous logos with names and pictures, let’s proceed further on the creative brains behind developing these top 100 logos of all time.

Why use 100 famous logos with names as an inspiration while designing your own brand?

When it comes to designing a brand, it can be helpful to look at what some of the most famous logos in the world are doing. After all, these companies have been around for a while and their logos are recognized by people all over the globe. By looking at these logos, we can get an idea of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to designing a logo.

Simplicity

One of the things that you’ll notice about many of the world’s most famous logos is that they are simple. The Nike swoosh, for example, is a very simple design. But it’s also very effective. In fact, studies have shown that people are more likely to remember a simple logo than a complicated one. So, when you’re designing your own logo, keep it simple.

Color Vibes

Another thing to notice about famous logos is that they often use bold, bright colors. This is because these colors tend to stand out and be eye-catching. When people see a logo that is brightly colored, they are more likely to remember it. So, if you want your logo to be remembered, consider using bold, bright colors.

Unique and Custom Design

Many famous logos are distinctive. That is, they are not like any other logo out there. This is often because the company behind the logo has put a lot of thought into its design. They want their logo to be different from the rest so that people will remember it. If you want your logo to be distinctive, take some time to brainstorm and come up with something truly unique.

These are just a few of the things you can learn from looking at famous logos. So, if you’re stuck on what to do with your own logo design, take some inspiration from the world’s most famous brands or top 50 logos of all time. You might be surprised at how helpful they can be!

Patterns Across Famous Logos Founders Can Apply

Beyond individual stories, famous logos share traits such as minimal shapes, standout color palettes, and scalable design systems that work from apps to billboards. These same traits help modern startups build visual credibility.

More Famous Logos Worth Knowing

• Microsoft – The Four-Color Logo
• Amazon – The Smile
• Google – The Multicolored Logo
• KFC – The Colonel
• Burger King – The King
• Pepsi – The Red, White, and Blue Logo
• Adidas – The Three Stripes
• Volkswagen – The VW Logo
• Walmart – The Spark
• Target – The Bullseye
• FedEx – The Purple and Orange Logo
• UPS – The Brown and Gold Logo
• Honda – The H Logo
• Toyota – The Three Ovals
• Chevrolet – The Bowtie
• Intel – The Five-Pointed Star
• Subway – The Yellow Arrow
• Shell – The Shell Logo
• Disney – The Castle
• Wendy’s – The Red W
• Taco Bell – The Bell
• Pizza Hut – The Red Roof
• Domino’s – The Red and Blue Logo
• Dunkin’ Donuts – The Orange and Pink Logo
• 7-Eleven – The Red and Green Logo
• Best Buy – The Yellow Tag
• Lowe’s – The Blue and White Logo
• Home Depot – The Orange Apron
• Staples – The Red and White Logo
• AT&T – The Globe
• Verizon – The Check Mark
• Sprint – The Yellow and Orange Logo
• T-Mobile – The Magenta Logo
• American Airlines – The Eagle
• United Airlines – The Globe
• Southwest Airlines – The Heart
• Delta Airlines – The Delta Logo
• UPS – The Brown and Gold Logo
• Adobe – The Red A
• Oracle – The Red O
• IBM – The Blue and White Logo
• HP – The Red and Black Logo
• Dell – The Blue and White Logo
• Canon – The Red and White Logo
• Sony – The White and Black Logo
• Panasonic – The Red and White Logo
• Samsung – The Blue and White Logo
• LG – The Red and White Logo
• YouTube – The Red Play Button
• X (formerly twitter) – The letter X
• Facebook – The Blue F
• Instagram – The Rainbow Camera
• Snapchat – The Ghost
• LinkedIn – The Blue In
• Pinterest – The Red P
• Airbnb – The Bélo
• Uber – The Black and White Logo
• Dropbox – The Blue Box
• Spotify – The Green Logo
• Netflix – The Red N
• Hulu – The Green H
• ESPN – The White and Red Logo
• Reebok – The Union Jack
• Puma – The Cat Logo
• Under Armour – The U Logo
• Converse – The Star Chevron
• New Balance – The N Logo
• Levi’s – The Two Horses
• Lacoste – The Crocodile
• H&M – The H&M Logo
• Zara – The Z Logo
• Gap – The Blue Box
• Old Navy – The Anchor
• Victoria’s Secret – The Angel Wings
• Sephora – The O Logo
• Lululemon – The Aum Symbol
• Gucci – The Double G
• Louis Vuitton – The Monogram
• Chanel – The Double C
• Prada – The Triangle Logo
• Burberry – The Equestrian Knight
• Hermès – The H Logo
• Cartier – The Panther
• Rolex – The Crown
• Tiffany & Co – The Blue Box
• Bulgari – The Serpent
• Cartier – The Panther

Why hire a experienced brand consulting design firm?

Professional brand consultants can help you design or redesign a great logo for your company or product:

1. A brand consultant or art director can help you to understand what your company or product represents and what its core values are. This understanding is key in order to create a logo that is an accurate reflection of what your company stands for.

2. They bridge the gap between your brand and your target audience but creating a logo that convey your brand values to your target market. This will ensure that your logo appeals to your target audience and helps you to connect with them on a deeper level.

3. An experienced brand consulting team can help you to understand the changing trends in logo design and how to incorporate them into your own logo design through successful logo re-design process. This keep your brand to be logo to be in current trend and famous among your customers.

4. There are different types of logos and which one would be best suited for your company or product. A brand consulting design firm will help you to choose a logo that is both effective and stylish.

5. Choosing proper color, typography, and other design elements to create a logo that is both visually appealing and memorable is vital to a brand. A brand consultant will work with you to create a logo that will make a lasting impression on your target audience.

How to Use These Famous Logo Lessons in Your Startup Branding

Most famous logos are simple, versatile, and emotionally resonant. Apply their principles early: define your brand values, choose a distinctive mark, and prioritize clarity. These steps help startups create logos that last and scale, not just look good temporarily.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the top 100 most recognizable logos and their names! Whether you’re a fan of the golden arches of McDonald’s or the swoosh of Nike, these logos are instantly recognizable and have become part of our everyday lives. We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of the history and stories behind these iconic logos.

Famous Logos – Quick FAQs

Why are famous logos so recognizable?

Famous logos are simple, consistent, and easy to remember. Brands like Apple and Nike use clean shapes and strong visual systems that stay recognizable across products, ads, and digital platforms.

What can startups learn from famous brand logos?

Startups can learn how simplicity, color, and consistency build trust and make a brand easier to remember, even in crowded markets.

Do famous logos influence modern logo design?

Yes. Most modern SaaS and AI startups follow design principles seen in famous logos, such as minimalism, scalable icons, and strong typography.

How should a startup use famous logos as inspiration?

Founders should study what makes these logos clear and effective, then apply those ideas to create a unique brand identity rather than copying any single design.