Google just turned 27, but if you look back at its history, you’ll notice something puzzling: the company was incorporated on September 4, 1998, not September 27. So why does Google blow out its candles on a different date? Let’s clear up the confusion and dig into how Google marks its milestones.
The Official Incorporation vs. the Celebrated Date
When Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in a garage in Menlo Park, California, the official paperwork was filed on September 4, 1998. For the first few years, Google quietly acknowledged that date as its “birthday.”
But by the early 2000s, the company wanted to tie its anniversary to the launch of major search milestones and doodles. September 27 became the chosen date, aligning with the announcement of record-breaking search engine indexes. Over time, that shift stuck—and now September 27 is the widely recognized birthday.
The Role of the Google Doodle
Every year, Google celebrates with a special doodle, and 2025 was no exception. This time, the company highlighted its original 1998 logo, giving users a nostalgic reminder of how far it has come. These doodles aren’t just decorations—they’re part of Google’s tradition of storytelling, marking cultural moments and reflecting on its own journey.
Why It Matters
For tech readers and casual users alike, this quirky birthday tradition is more than a fun fact. It shows how Google uses milestones not just to celebrate, but to shape its brand identity. By choosing September 27, Google keeps the focus on progress and global impact, rather than paperwork dates buried in the past.
Final Thoughts
So, while Google was born on September 4, it celebrates on September 27. The confusion itself is part of the story—a reminder that Google is not only a company, but also a cultural icon that controls its own narrative. And after 27 years, that narrative continues to evolve, one doodle at a time.