On September 27, 2025, Google celebrated its 27th birthday with a special treat for users around the world. The search giant brought back its original 1998 logo as the centerpiece of its homepage doodle, offering a nostalgic reminder of how far the company has come.
From “BackRub” to “Google”
Before it became the internet’s most powerful search engine, Google was initially known as BackRub. Later, the founders decided on a new name inspired by the mathematical term “googol,” which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. Due to a fortunate spelling error, the name “Google” was born—a quirky accident that eventually became one of the most recognized brands on the planet.
Why September 27?
Interestingly, Google wasn’t officially incorporated on this date. The company was legally formed on September 4, 1998, but over the years, September 27 has been chosen as its symbolic birthday. This has now become an annual tradition, marked with a playful doodle that celebrates both innovation and history.
A Look Back at the Original Logo
The 1998 version of the logo was far simpler than the sleek design we see today. Featuring bold, colorful letters, it captured the company’s early ambition to make search more accessible and useful. The birthday doodle not only revives this design but also invites users to reflect on the journey of a small startup that transformed into a global tech leader.
Google Today
From a single search bar to a vast ecosystem, Google has expanded into nearly every corner of digital life. Services like Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Android, and Chrome have become essential tools for billions of people worldwide. What started as a student project is now a company shaping the way the world communicates, works, and learns.
A Celebration of Growth and Innovation
This year’s birthday doodle is more than a logo throwback—it’s a celebration of progress. In 27 years, Google has not only changed the way people search for information but has also become a symbol of innovation, constantly evolving with new technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced hardware.