Esso Logo PNG
Esso: Brand overview
Esso, a trading name for ExxonMobil, traces its history back to the dissolution of the original Standard Oil company in 1911. The chosen brand name “Esso” originated from the phonetic pronunciation of Standard Oil’s initials, “S” and “O”. However, this decision did not resonate with other Standard Oil subsidiaries. Despite these obstacles, Esso has become a globally recognized and trusted brand.
The Esso branding was introduced by Standard Oil of New Jersey in 1926 to promote its products. In 1972, after Standard Oil of New Jersey acquired Humble Oil, the Exxon brand name appeared on the American market. However, the Esso name remains popular in many other countries.
A dominant player in the international arena, Esso operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of products from gasoline and diesel to lubricants and petrochemicals. Esso’s ubiquitous global presence has cemented its status as one of the industry’s most recognized and respected names.
The unprecedented Supreme Court decision 1911 to break Standard Oil’s formidable monopoly into 34 separate entities inevitably changed the American corporate scenario.
The introduction of the Esso brand name by Standard Oil of New Jersey in 1926 brought about a significant change in the industry.
The introduction of the Exxon brand in the American market in 1972 replaced Esso and led to a significant restructuring of the industry.
The merger of Exxon and Mobil in 1999 led to the formation of a new energy titan, ExxonMobil.
Esso’s historic opening of the first solar-powered gas station in the U.S. in 2009 was a significant leap toward sustainability.
In 2017, Esso’s ambitious “Make the Future” initiative was launched to promote clean energy solutions and move towards a greener future.
Meaning and History
What is Esso?
This international energy company specializes in oil and gas exploration and production. Its operations cover the full value chain—from exploration and extraction to refining and distribution. The company is known for its technological innovations and large-scale activities in the global oil and gas sector.
1880 – 1911
1911 – 1923
1923 – 1934
1934 – 1965
1965 – today
The Esso logo is designed in a highly recognizable style with simplicity, making the brand easily identifiable at fuel stations. The company name is positioned in bold red at the center of the composition, symbolizing energy, strength, and activity. This vivid shade stands out sharply against the white background, which is framed by a wide blue oval outline, ensuring high visibility even from a distance.
A distinctive lettering feature is the stylized “E,” which resembles a reversed number “3.” This creative touch adds character and uniqueness to the logo. The other letters are smooth and rounded, softening the appearance and making the text easy to read. The typeface resembles Delargo DT Condensed Black, combining simplicity with a clean, structured presence.
The white oval, encircled by a blue border, unifies the logo into a cohesive shape. The blue frame evokes associations with stability, reliability, and service quality—attributes well-suited to a brand in the oil industry. The oval shape suggests the curve of a road, while the blue border brings to mind an open sky.
The name “Esso” originated as a phonetic abbreviation of “Standard Oil” (S–O), linking the brand to its historical roots and original business focus.
The combination of red, white, and blue echoes national flags, conveying trust, dependability, and tradition. The vivid red energy and the calm assurance of the blue create a visually balanced and memorable identity that has remained strong in customers’ minds for generations.