What is the name of McDonald's golden “M” symbol?

McDonald's golden “M” symbol is called the Golden Arches.

The name comes from the large yellow arches used in the design of early McDonald's restaurant buildings. Over time, the two separate architectural arches were visually combined into an “M,” allowing the symbol to function independently from the building itself.

The Golden Arches became a central part of McDonald's identity because they were simple, bright, and easy to recognize at a distance. Their association with roadside restaurants also helped the symbol work as a sign for travelers, while its repeated use on packaging and advertising made it familiar far beyond the original buildings.

“Golden Arches logo” is a descriptive phrase, but “Golden Arches” is the canonical name of the symbol. Speedee, by contrast, was the name of the company's early mascot. McDonaldland refers to a fictional advertising world, not the logo.