Although I could not uncover the price of Google logo in my last post regarding cost of famous logos, but what I did find out during the research was that Google was originally named “Backrub”. This made me realize that many companies that are now famous under their present brand names weren’t so prominent under their previous names.

Some corporate name changes took place due to corporate mergers, some changed their identity to keep aloof from controversies while other corporate name changes are the result of logo redesign. Irrespective of the reason, a change in company name can have dual consequences. It may either boost the previous brand equity to the skies or deplete it completely.

Below are 10 of the most famous corporate name changes that ever took place.

1. Accenture – - – - – Andersen Consulting (old name)

Initially known as “Andersen Consulting”, this firm is regarded for one of the worst corporate name changes in history. The present name "Accenture" was adopted in 2001 for a whopping $100 million. The name was an apparent
derivation from the phrase "Accent on the future". The change finally proved fortunate, clearing it from a scandal involving Enron.

2. AOL (America Online) – - – - – Quantum Computer Services (old name)

The famous AOL was established in 1985 under the name Quantum Computer Services. It was renamed to “America Online” in 1991. Finally in April 2006, America Online officially adopted its AOL abbreviation solely, replacing "America Online".

3. Google – - – - – BackRub (old name)

Did you know that the no.1 search engine was once named "BackRub"? Larry Brin and Serge Page’s technology created Google in 1996 and nicknamed it Backrub, because the system verified backlinks to approximate the significance
of a site. In 1998, they decided to rename their business “Google” in 1998 that evolved from a spelling mistake of the word “googol”.

4. Nissan – - – - – Datsun (old name)

Nissan was incorporated in 1933 under the name “Datsun”. The name “Nissan” came as an abbreviation used on the Tokyo stock market for Nippon Sangyo, a company founded by the President, Yoshisuke Aikawa
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5. Pepsi-Cola – - – - – Brad’s Drink (old name)

Pepsi originated in 1893, as “Brad’s Drink” named after the pharmacist Celeb Bradham. In 1898, Brad’s Drink was renamed "Pepsi-Cola", now one of the most liked brand of soft drink. The name change was apparently due to digestive
enzyme pepsin and kola nuts used in the recipe.

6. IBM – - – - – Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation (old name)

The company was founded in 1896 as “Tabulating Machine Company” by Herman Hollerith and incorporated as Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation in 1911. Ultimately, it was renamed to International Business
Machines (IBM) in 1924 when Thomas J. Watson took control over it.

7. SEGA – - – - – Service Game Company (old name)

The once popular Video Game System, Sega was established in 1940 under the name “Standard Games (later Service Games) in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, by the trio Marty Bromely, Irving Bromberg, and James
Humpert. Bromely proposed moving to Tokyo, Japan in 1951 and in May 1952 "Service Games of Japan" was registered with the abbreviation SEGA.

8. Sony – - – - – Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K (old name)

It was started as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation) in 1946. But the firm changed its name to “Sony” in 1958, an amalgamation of two words “sonus” and “sonny”.

9. Sprint – - – - - Brown Telephone Company (old name)

The Sprint-Nextel Corporation as we all known today has gone through various name evolutions. Initially it was established in 1898 under the name of the Brown Telephone Company. In 1938, after emerging from
bankruptcy, Brown changed its name to United Utilities. The company grew steadily through acquisitions and, in 1972, changed its name to United Telecommunications. The company decided on a new name and "Sprint", an abbreviated form for Southern Pacific Railroad Intelligent Network of Telecommunications was selected.

10. Yahoo – - – - – Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web (old name)

January 1994, one of the most prominent search engine was known as "Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web". Yes you’ve guessed it right. "Jerry’s Guide" was the former name of Yahoo, which is an abbreviation
for "Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle".

I cant even remember the last day that went by when I didn’t use Google even once. The one company in America who probably needs the least pats on the back gets another one again this year. The big one “o”, Google has reached double digits and not just in stock pricing.

Google’s revolutionary success has come with their interesting company culture. With rumors of game rooms, and play breaks, most in the public have often wondered what exactly goes on behind those doors.

What we do know however is what Google shows us every day on their homepage. Each birthday, holiday, and sometimes seemingly random day, Google revises its logo for the day. Most recently, another birthday celebration.

Here are some of the older birthday logos.

I am a huge fan of Google logos, but its early years didn’t do it for me. It could have been that Google was young and inexperienced in birthdays, but it seems as they approached their preteen years, they truly matured. My two favorite logos, the ninth and tenth birthdays.

On Google’s ninth birthday they released the logo above. While color is no surprise to this logo, the creativity of incorporating the g, 9, and piñata all in one design is a treat to look at. If you watch the progression from year to year, 2007 was definitely their coming out party.

Here it is, the new Google logo. Happy birthday, you deserve it. Unlike their first birthday logo, this cake is accompanied by a party. By adding hats, bows, and an exclamation point, Google really put the pop in this birthday celebration.

What doesn’t get better with time with Google? Can’t wait to see what they come up with next year. I can only hope they don’t start to resent their birthdays as much as I do my own.

Which logo is your favorite? Do you know any other interesting birthday celebration logos? Share Them