What is the name of McDonald’s famous yellow M-shaped symbol?

McDonald’s famous yellow M-shaped symbol is called the Golden Arches.

The name comes from the large yellow arches used in the architecture of McDonald’s restaurants during the 1950s. When viewed together from the front, the two arches suggested the letter M and provided a distinctive visual identity for the growing chain.

The architectural features and the later logo are related but not identical. Restaurant designer Stanley Meston created the early building design, while Jim Schindler is credited with developing the modern logo in 1962.

The Golden Arches became more than a restaurant decoration: they became a shorthand for McDonald’s itself. Travelers often recognize the symbol from a distance, even when the restaurant name is not visible.