What architectural feature gave McDonald's its famous Golden Arches name?

The architectural feature that gave McDonald's its famous name was the Golden Arches.

The arches originated in the restaurant design created by architect Stanley Clark Meston for McDonald's in the early 1950s. The original buildings used two large yellow arches on opposite sides of the structure, making the restaurants visible from the road.

The arches were more than decoration: they were intended to attract passing motorists and make the compact restaurant recognizable. Over time, the two physical arches were combined into the single stylized M associated with McDonald's worldwide.

A common mix-up is assuming the Golden Arches began as a logo. They first served as architectural elements, while the familiar corporate symbol developed later from that design.