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Best logos are those that have stood the test of time. They aren’t just unique and memorable—they often carry hidden meanings and powerful messages. Many of these legendary designs have remained unchanged for decades, proving their lasting impact.
These logos serve as prime inspiration for anyone in design, branding, or advertising. If you want to craft a logo that truly stands out, explore our expert tips on logo creation and sources of great design inspiration.
Here are 10 of the greatest logos of all time. While the selection is subjective, each of these logos is globally recognized and has demonstrated remarkable longevity.
In this deep dive into iconic logo designs, we’ll uncover the secrets behind their creation and what makes them so effective—whether through unforgettable symbols or masterful typography. While some have evolved slightly over the years, their essence remains untouched, cementing their place in culture and design history.
10. The Starbucks logo

You don’t have to be a Starbucks fan to recognize the power of its logo. The iconic mermaid design, with bold lines and a striking single colour, makes it instantly recognizable to coffee lovers across 84 countries.
Founded in 1971, Starbucks takes its name from the first mate in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. The original logo, created by Terry Heckler, was inspired by a 16th-century Norse woodcut featuring a two-tailed mermaid. Over the years, the logo has been refined and simplified, yet its essence remains unchanged.
One intriguing detail? The logo isn’t perfectly symmetrical—and that’s intentional. Want to know why? Dive into our story uncovering the secrets behind Starbucks’ logo!
09. The I Love New York logo

The I Love New York logo, designed by Milton Glaser in 1977, has become an iconic symbol worldwide, appearing on T-shirts, bumper stickers, posters, mugs, and more. The design features a bold capital “I,” followed by a striking red heart, positioned above the letters “N” and “Y.” It uses the American Typewriter font, a rounded slab serif typeface.
What makes this logo so powerful? Its simplicity. It perfectly captures the no-nonsense attitude often linked to New Yorkers. Glaser famously sketched the original design in a taxi, a fitting touch for a city always on the move. Though he never made any money from it, the logo was a heartfelt gift to a city he deeply loved.
Before his passing in 2020, Glaser reflected:
“New York is not the most beautiful city. It constantly changes. It doesn’t impose a vision on newcomers—they bring their own.”
He added: “Everything is open to interpretation; everything can be questioned. This refusal to accept anything as final gives New York its energy and endless possibilities. Anything can happen here.”
The I Love NY logo remains beloved, so when a ‘We Love NYC’ redesign was introduced in 2023, it faced major backlash from loyal New Yorkers.
08. The London Underground logo

The London Underground logo is a masterpiece of simplicity and recognition. With white text on a blue bar, set against a bold red circle, it has become an unmistakable symbol of London, marking buses, stations, and subways across the city.
Designed by Edward Johnston in 1919, this iconic logo has remained largely unchanged, with only subtle refinements over the years—like the 2016 typeface update, noticeable only to the keenest observers.
In his book A Logo for London, David Lawrence explores the logo’s enduring appeal. He highlights how its abstract yet powerful design represents more than just transportation—it embodies London’s energy, culture, and design heritage.
What makes it truly timeless? It never goes out of style. Whether guiding commuters to a bus or train, it remains a constant, ever-present part of London’s identity.
07. The Red Cross logo

The Red Cross emblem is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, featuring a simple cross with equal-length arms on a white background. Its clean, straightforward design powerfully represents neutrality and protection.
First introduced in 1876, the emblem was accompanied by the Red Crescent, adopted by Ottoman soldiers who associated the cross with medieval crusaders. Over time, both symbols became globally recognized. In 2005, a third emblem—the Red Crystal—was introduced, with all three carrying the same meaning and status.
While the cross must always maintain equal-length arms on a white background, the shade of red is not strictly regulated. This flexibility ensures the emblem can be displayed even when the ideal materials are unavailable.
06. The Apple logo

Apple’s first logo was a detailed illustration of Isaac Newton, but it quickly proved impractical. Recognizing this, Steve Jobs commissioned a new design in 1977, which Rob Janoff created. Since then, the apple shape has remained largely unchanged, with only a few refinements—notably, the 1998 update that shifted from colourful stripes to a solid silhouette.
Since its debut, the Apple logo has become a key part of the company’s global identity. Whether in TV shows, movies, or real life, it’s everywhere. Yet, it’s surprising to learn that the original design was quite rough.
In a 2019 interview, Janoff shared that Jobs gave him minimal direction, simply saying: “Don’t make it cute.” This referred mainly to the typography.
Janoff’s concept was based on a simple observation: A bite from an apple keeps its shape, unlike a peach, which collapses. The bite also helped establish scale, making it instantly recognizable.
Confident in his work, Janoff only created one version. He had a backup design without the bite—just in case—but it was never shown.
Want to know more? Check out our deep dive into the Apple logo’s fascinating history!
05. The Nike logo

The Nike logo proves that the simplest ideas are often the most powerful. Known as the swoosh or checkmark, it was designed in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson, a student from Portland. Her payment? Just $35.
When Nike founder Phil Knight first saw the design, he famously said, “I don’t love it, but it will grow on me.” And he was right! By 1983, the logo had become iconic, and to show his appreciation, Knight gifted Davidson a gold swoosh ring with a diamond and Nike stock.
While the swoosh symbolizes speed and movement, its original inspiration came from the wing of the Greek goddess Nike, who represents victory. Davidson aimed to capture emotion in the design, and she noted that Adidas’ signature stripes also influenced Knight.
Since becoming a registered trademark, the swoosh has remained largely unchanged, with only minor tweaks to the Nike lettering over the years.
04. The Shell logo

The Shell logo has undergone significant transformations since its introduction in 1901. Originally a detailed scallop shell illustration, it evolved into the bold, simple design we recognize today.
The red and yellow colours were introduced in 1915, first appearing at service stations in California. These bright hues not only made the logo stand out but also reflected the colours of Spain, honouring the heritage of many early California settlers.
In 1971, renowned French designer Raymond Loewy refined the logo into its modern form. His goal? Simplicity and visibility. By making the design bolder and cleaner, he ensured it could be easily recognized from a distance—an essential feature for a brand seen along busy roads where cars speed by
03. The McDonald’s logo

McDonald’s, the fast food giant, serves over 69 million customers daily in more than 100 countries. No matter where you are, its iconic ‘golden arches’ logo is instantly recognizable.
The logo’s story began in 1952, when the McDonald brothers hired architect Stanley Meston to design their first franchise in Phoenix, Arizona. Signmaker George Dexter created two large yellow arches for the building’s sides.
However, it wasn’t until Ray Kroc took over the business a decade later that the arches merged to form the iconic ‘M’, which became the new corporate logo. The current version received a US trademark in 1968 and continues to serve as a symbol for hungry customers everywhere.
The logo has also become a symbol of globalization, drawing both supporters and critics of capitalism. It even inspired a lighthearted opinion piece in the New York Times in 1996 called the Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Prevention, which claimed, “No two countries that both have a McDonald’s have ever fought a war against each other.” Unfortunately, this theory was challenged when Russia invaded Ukraine.
02. The Coca-Cola logo

Coca-Cola’s handwritten logo is the oldest and most enduring emblem on this list. Created on May 8, 1886, by Frank Mason Robinson, who was the bookkeeper for founder John Pemberton, this logo has become one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable symbols in the world. While there have been slight modifications over time—such as a shift from black to red—the core design has remained strikingly consistent. For an in-depth exploration of its evolution, our detailed article on the history of the Coca-Cola logo offers more insight.
What’s particularly remarkable is the survival of this elegant cursive script in an era where most modern logos have adopted minimalist, sans-serif fonts that align more with tech companies’ branding aesthetics. In fact, any attempt by a CEO to alter the Coca-Cola logo would likely result in considerable backlash, given its deep association with the brand’s identity.
The logo’s unique script font paired with the iconic red and white color scheme is more than just a visual asset; it conveys elegance and friendliness, central values that Coca-Cola has built its brand around. The red colour plays a crucial role in this, representing passion, excitement, and energy—emotions that Coca-Cola actively seeks to evoke in its consumers. These carefully selected elements are integral to the brand’s success, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the beverage industry.
In the context of modern branding, Coca-Cola’s ability to preserve its historic logo while still being relevant in a fast-evolving market is a testament to the enduring power of design when it effectively encapsulates a brand’s ethos and resonates emotionally with consumers
01. The FedEx logo

The FedEx logo may not be as globally famous as others, but its clever use of white space has made it a truly iconic design. Created by Landor Associates in 1994, the FedEx logo cleverly incorporates negative space to symbolize the company’s mission of transporting letters, packages, and freight. Look closely, and you’ll spot a hidden arrow between the E and the X, representing forward movement.
This innovative design has earned over 40 design awards, and despite being introduced in 1994, many hope it never changes. But how did this iconic logo come to life? Lindon Leader, the senior design director at Landor at the time, explained that research revealed while customers recognized the FedEx name, they didn’t fully grasp the company’s global reach or full-service offerings.
The leader also noted that many people had started saying, “FedEx a package,” regardless of the service they were using, showing that the concept of express shipping had become generic. To address this, they advised FedEx to focus on its most valuable asset: the FedEx brand.
As part of the rebranding process, they also decided to drop the term “federal” due to negative associations in certain regions, like Latin America and Germany. This led to the switch to FedEx, which proved more effective in global communication.
For more insights into popular and emerging logo designs, be sure to check out our selection of the best new logos.
Conclusion
The greatest logos of all time have evolved into iconic symbols that connect with people across the globe. Their success stems from their simplicity, creativity, and ability to capture the essence of the brands they represent. These logos not only attract attention but also build a sense of familiarity and trust. Whether through unique designs, clever use of negative space, or memorable typography, each logo carries its own story and significance. Together, they showcase the incredible power of effective branding and its profound influence on culture and consumer perception.