Nike is the biggest name in the world of sportswear. In fact, according the latest numbers it’s also the biggest apparel brand ever. However, having been in the industry for almost six decades, the Beaverton-based company has gone through many alterations, including quite a few name changes.
Before Nike became the Nike that we all know and love today, they actually operated under a different moniker altogether. But what was it? Why did they change their name? And what was the inspiration behind it? Make sure you read on to find out everything that you need to know.
Believe it or not, Nike’s original name was Blue Ribbon Sports. Established by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, BRS focused more on the college track side of things. With that said, in 1971, the Oregon label was on the verge of releasing some of its own specialised sneakers, and it needed a new name for them. That’s when Nike was born.
The iconic Swoosh, which is widely regarded as one of the most recognisable logos in the world, was designed by Carolyn Davidson, who was paid only $35 for the design. There’s a lot more to this story, so make sure you read this article for an in-depth take.
The name of Nike is actually derived directly from the Greek Goddess of Victory. Nike was known for her iconic wings, which she used to fly over battlefields, bestowing rewards and fame to those who defeated their enemies.
Davidson’s Swoosh fits perfectly with this inspiration. Not only does it give a sense of speed, it also features a shape that’s reminiscent of the deity’s feathers.
Before the company settled on Nike as its new name, they actually brainstormed a number of different options too. Early ones included Peregrine and Bengal, both of which were inspired by the Puma, which had been proving immensely successful across the water in Germany. However, the only problem was, none of these animal-based brands proved very popular with employees, and therefore they never saw the light of day.
Another potential contender for the company name was Dimension Six which was directly penned by Knight himself. Unbeknownst to many, this was a direct homage to the pop group The Fifth Dimension that was extremely popular back in the ’60s. Weird, huh?
Nike was first displayed on shoes on June 18th, 1971. Though it took quite some time, the name eventually took off. This was partly thanks by Steve Prefontaine in 1972, a highly celebrated athlete, who religiously wore the logo in every single one of his public appearances.
He wore a shirt with the logo directly emblazoned on the front, and this immediately garnered attention for the company, which was still somewhat new in the industry.
From legendary sub-brands like Jordan Brand, to iconic silhouettes such as the Cortez, the history of the Nike is incredibly interesting. That said, not many people know too much about the logo and name itself. If you’ve ever wondered where the idea of Nike came about, we hope that this article has answered all of your questions!
