Logo Symbols

Almost every animal, plant, shape and object used in logo design has some or other deeper, symbolic meaning. What that meaning is depends on who you ask and when they lived. Thoughout history and cultures different people have assigned different meanings to objects. Some are fairly universal - like the bee being viewed as a positive symbol - while others are much more complex - like the cat which is viewed as very positive in some cultures (Epgypt) and negative in others (China). It pays to do some research before you settle on your new logo! Here is a list of logo-related symbols arranged from the most positive to the most negative.

 

 

Symbol	Our "goodness" rating, based on current use and historical symbolic meanings

Eagle

20

Horse

19

Cross

19

Bee

18

Mountain

16

Albatross

15

Bull

15

Bird

14

Castle

13

Bell

12

Anchor

11

Book

11

Bridge

11

Chain

9

Acacia

8

Arrow

7

Beech tree

7

Birch Tree

7

Butterfly

5

Almond

4

Ant

4

Archer

4

Armor

4

Axe

4

Bamboo

4

Centaur

4

Angel

3

Apple

3

Apron

3

Arch

3

Ark

3

Box

3

Acorn

2

Azalea

2

Banner

2

Barley

2

Ankh

1

Antler

1

Ass (Donkey)

1

Anvil

0

Ape

0

Adder

-1

Badger

-1

Breasts

-1

Bear

-2

Bones

-4

Bat

-5

It's Somewhat Subjective

We realize that our ratings are somewhat subjective. We tried to incorporate views from different cultures and also from different times in history, balancing it all out to form a rough idea of the "goodness" of a symbol. Meanings assigned to symbols used in modern logos are largely contributed by Andre le Roux who, at the time, had 17 years experience in logo design.

Our ratings do not represent our attitude towards a particular symbol, but rather an attempt to estimate the validity or appropriateness of the symbol for use in commercial logo design in today's world.

Please consider that this study included much research into the historical meanings of symbols and as such may be offensive to some. No doubt that the meanings assigned to symbols historically can include significant sexual and racial bias, for example. The meanings presented in this study do not represent the opinions of Biz-Logo nor of Andre le Roux. The historical aspect is offered for your reference.

You are invited to have your say. Click on a symbol above and use the comments section to share your view.

 

 

Start a logo project