Most of us are familiar with Nike and its iconic swoosh logo. But did you know that Nike had a different name when it was first introduced back in 1971? If you are curious to know what the original name of Nike was, then read on to find out!
Nike’s original name was Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). It was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. BRS was initially a distributor of Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese shoe manufacturer. But soon, the company changed its name to Nike, and the Swoosh logo was adopted in 1971. The name ‘Nike’ was derived from the Greek goddess of victory.
Nike’s Original Name
Nike is a globally renowned brand today and has been around for decades. However, when it was first founded in 1964, it had a different name. The original name of Nike was Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS).
Founders of Blue Ribbon Sports
Blue Ribbon Sports was founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. Bowerman was a track coach at the University of Oregon while Knight was a middle-distance runner who attended the university. The two of them had a vision to create a line of high-performance shoes that could be sold at a reasonable price.
Changing the Name to Nike
In 1971, the company changed its name from Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory. This name change also coincided with the introduction of the company’s iconic swoosh logo.
Significance of Nike
Nike has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It has become a major player in the sports clothing and equipment industry, and its products are used by athletes and regular people alike. The company’s mission to “Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” has made it a truly global brand.
Related FAQ
What Was Nike’s Original Name?
Answer: Nike’s original name was Blue Ribbon Sports. Blue Ribbon Sports was established in 1964 as a distributor for the Japanese shoe brand Onitsuka Tiger (now known as Asics). The company was founded by University of Oregon track athlete Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman. In 1971, the company changed its name to Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory, in order to create a more powerful brand identity.
Who Founded Nike?
Answer: Nike was founded by Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman in 1964. Knight was a University of Oregon track athlete and Bowerman was a track and field coach. The pair began by distributing Japanese shoe brand Onitsuka Tiger (now known as Asics) but eventually decided to launch their own brand of shoes. They chose the name Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory, in 1971.
When Was Nike Founded?
Answer: Nike was founded in 1964. Phil Knight, a University of Oregon track athlete and Bill Bowerman, his coach, established the company as a distributor of Japanese shoe brand Onitsuka Tiger (now known as Asics). In 1971, the company changed its name to Nike.
What Was the First Product Nike Manufactured?
Answer: The first product Nike manufactured was the Cortez running shoe. The shoe was designed by Bill Bowerman and released in 1972. The shoe was designed to be lightweight and comfortable and was an instant success. It was the first Nike product to be widely endorsed by athletes and quickly became one of Nike’s most iconic products.
Why Was the Name Nike Chosen?
Answer: Nike was chosen as the brand’s new name in 1971 as it was believed to be a powerful and inspirational name. The name was inspired by the Greek goddess of victory and was intended to create a more powerful brand identity. The name was also chosen to be short, memorable, and easy to pronounce in order to make it easily recognizable to consumers.
What Does the Swoosh Logo Represent?
Answer: The Nike Swoosh logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971 and has become one of the most recognizable logos in the world. The logo is intended to represent the wings of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and symbolize the speed, movement, and power of the brand. The logo has become synonymous with the Nike brand and is an essential part of its brand identity.
Nike’s original name was Blue Ribbon Sports, a name that the founders, Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, chose as an ode to their passion for athletics. Bowerman and Knight’s vision for a company focused on innovation, quality, and style, has led to Nike being one of the most successful and iconic brands in the world. From its humble beginnings as a little-known shoe company, Nike has managed to become a global powerhouse, helping to shape the way people dress and experience sports. Nike’s original name may have been forgotten, but its modern-day success is a testament to the power of ambition and dedication.
