Which company is named after the Greek goddess of victory?

In ancient Greek mythology, Nike was the winged goddess who personified victory, speed, and strength. Often depicted alongside the powerful gods Zeus or Athena, she flew over battlefields and athletic competitions, bestowing glory and fame upon the victors. It is this powerful association with triumph that inspired the identity of the world's largest athletic apparel company.

Before it became a global titan, the company was founded as Blue Ribbon Sports. When it came time to launch its own line of shoes in 1971, the founders needed a new name. The suggestion came from their first employee, Jeff Johnson, who said the name of the Greek goddess had come to him in a dream. The idea was a perfect fit for a brand aiming to equip athletes for success.

The iconic "Swoosh" logo, created by design student Carolyn Davidson, reinforces this mythological connection. The simple, fluid shape is a stylized representation of the goddess Nike's wing, symbolizing the motion, speed, and flight associated with athletic achievement. By choosing this name and logo, the company powerfully linked its products to the very concept of winning.