For most people, the word “Google” is synonymous with an internet search engine. While Search is undoubtedly the company’s most widely used product, it is far from the only service offered by this technology giant.
Below are 12 interesting and lesser-known facts about Google that show how much more there is behind the world’s most popular search engine.
1. The origin of the name “Google”
The name Google comes from the mathematical term “Googol,” which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros (10100). It is an almost unimaginable number, and that was precisely the point.
The founders chose this name to reflect their mission of organizing massive amounts of information on the web. If you look closely at Google’s search result pages, the series of “O’s” in the logo subtly echoes those zeros.
2. Google has a real dinosaur skeleton
During the construction of Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, fossilized dinosaur remains were discovered. Instead of donating them to a museum, Google chose to display a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton at its campus.
The company nicknamed the dinosaur “Stan,” and it has since become a symbol of its culture, a reminder of the importance of constant innovation.
3. Google’s homepage loads extremely fast
Google’s homepage is intentionally minimalist. Its clean design is not just aesthetic, it is strategic.
Performance tools frequently show Google.com among the fastest-loading websites, largely thanks to its lightweight layout and limited assets. The simplicity helps users access information quickly, even on slower internet connections.
4. YouTube is owned by Google
YouTube was acquired by Google in 2006 for 1.65 billion dollars.
Today, YouTube is often described as the second largest search engine in the world, surpassed only by Google itself, because users frequently search for tutorials, reviews, entertainment, and educational content on the platform.
5. The “I’m feeling lucky” button
The well-known “I’m Feeling Lucky” button takes users directly to the first search result, skipping the results page.
Google also creates special logo variations known as Doodles to celebrate holidays, historical events, anniversaries, and influential figures. Over time, the company has built an extensive archive of these creative designs.
6. Google owns misspelled domains
To protect its brand, Google has purchased numerous domain variations and common misspellings of its name, including:
- gooogle.com
- gogle.com
- googlr.com
- googl.com
Even the numeric domain 466453.com has been associated with typing “Google” on a traditional phone keypad. This strategy helps prevent abuse of similar domain names and redirects users safely to the correct destination.
7. How Google makes money
Google Search is free to use, but the company generates revenue primarily through advertising.
Businesses pay to appear in sponsored search results when users look for related products or services. This same advertising model is used across many of Google’s platforms, including YouTube.
Google also generates significant revenue through enterprise solutions, cloud computing services, hardware products, and developer tools.
8. Working at Google
Google is widely recognized for its innovative workplace culture and high employee satisfaction.
The company offers benefits designed to help employees focus on creativity and productivity. Some offices are pet-friendly, allowing employees to bring their dogs to work.
There is also a well-known anecdote about a child who wrote to Google asking the company to give her father time off for his birthday. Google reportedly responded and granted him an entire week off.
9. You can access your search history
If you are signed into your Google account, you can access your search history through your account settings.
This feature allows users to review, manage, and delete past searches, providing greater control over personal data and privacy preferences.
10. Fun hidden tricks
Google includes several playful Easter eggs within its search engine:
- Search “Do a Barrel Roll” and the screen spins 360 degrees.
- Type “askew” and the page tilts slightly.
- Search “Pac-Man” to play the classic arcade game.
- Search “solitaire” to instantly play the card game.
These features are designed purely for entertainment and showcase Google’s creative side.
11. Built-in smart tools
Google frequently provides direct answers without requiring users to visit external websites.
- Mathematical calculations activate a built-in calculator.
- Currency conversions trigger an automatic converter.
- Weather searches display detailed forecasts.
- Unit conversions generate instant results.
Google increasingly delivers answers directly on the results page, improving user experience and efficiency.
12. Google offers far more than search
While many people associate Google only with its search engine, the company has built a broad ecosystem of products and services.
Some of its most popular tools include:
- Gmail
- Google Drive
- Google Maps
- Google Chrome
- Google Photos
- Google Meet
- Android
- Google Ads
- Google Analytics
- Gemini
Gemini represents Google’s latest advancement in artificial intelligence. It powers conversational experiences, enhances productivity workflows, and integrates AI capabilities across multiple Google products and services.
Beyond these, Google also develops hardware such as Pixel devices, enterprise cloud infrastructure, developer platforms, and advanced AI technologies.
Final thoughts
These are just a few fascinating facts about Google. The company continues to evolve, innovate, and expand its influence across industries worldwide.
Did you already know some of these facts? Is there another interesting detail about Google that you would add?
Let us know in the comments.
