The name Nike is deeply rooted in both Greek mythology and the brand’s core values of excellence, performance, and victory.
1. Greek Mythology Origins
Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, often depicted with wings and seen as a symbol of triumph in both war and peaceful competitions. She was the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the goddess Styx, and she had the ability to fly and quickly deliver victory to those she favored. In ancient Greece, the goddess was widely associated with both athletic contests (such as the ancient Olympic Games) and military conquests, representing the desire to achieve and the celebration of winning.
Nike, the company, adopted this name to embody the ideals of victory, success, and excellence—values that are central to its mission to empower athletes and push the boundaries of sports performance.
2. Nike’s Swoosh Logo
The company’s logo, the “swoosh,” was created by designer Carolyn Davidson in 1971. It represents motion and speed, signifying progress, energy, and the drive to be victorious. It was meant to evoke a sense of motion, as if the swoosh was the movement of a wing or a runner’s stride. Just as the goddess Nike herself symbolized victory and rapid movement, the logo visually reinforces the company’s connection to winning and athleticism.
3. Brand Meaning
Nike, as a company, positions itself as more than just a brand of sports apparel—it’s a symbol of human achievement, pushing limits, and striving for greatness. The name and logo are meant to inspire athletes of all levels to embrace the mindset of victory and perseverance, whether they’re on the track, field, court, or in their everyday lives. The brand’s motto, “Just Do It,” is a direct reflection of this ethos—encouraging action and the pursuit of personal and athletic success.
4. Evolution of the Brand
The company was originally founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. In 1971, they changed the name to Nike, Inc. and launched their first line of shoes. Since then, the brand has grown into one of the most recognizable and successful sportswear companies in the world, all while consistently linking its identity to athletic achievement and victory. The choice of the name was, and remains, a strong and meaningful representation of the brand’s mission to provide athletes with the tools they need to achieve greatness.
In short, the name Nike stands for victory and excellence, both in the context of sports and in the broader sense of striving for personal and collective success.