What name is commonly used for McDonald’s golden “M” symbol?

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

The name comes from the large yellow arches that originally formed part of McDonald’s restaurant architecture. The arches were visible from the road and helped motorists identify the restaurants before the symbol became a standalone corporate logo.

Over time, the two arches were combined visually into the familiar “M.” Their shape and color became central to McDonald’s identity, working across signs, packaging, uniforms, advertising, and digital interfaces.

The Golden Arches are not the same thing as the company’s mascot or slogan. They are the brand’s principal visual mark, while Speedee and Ronald McDonald served as character-based advertising figures.