LEGO® history: the origins of an iconic name

18 March 2026

The LEGO® name has been around for more than 90 years and is a worldwide symbol of creativity and building fun. What began in a small Danish village grew into one of the world's best-known toy brands. In this article, we dive into the history of the LEGO name and find out how it all began.

From carpentry workshop to toy manufacturer

Long before the first LEGO bricks were produced, founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen was working as a master carpenter in Billund, Denmark. In 1932, during the economic crisis of the Great Depression, he decided to make wooden toys and small utensils to keep his business going. His business was then called Billund Maskinsnedkeri, or Billund's carpentry and woodworking workshop.

By the mid-1930s, wooden toy products were becoming increasingly popular with local families. Ole made an important decision: he stopped traditional carpentry completely and focused exclusively on toy production. A choice that proved decisive for the future of LEGO.

The meaning behind the name LEGO

With a new focus came a new name. According to tradition, Ole organized an internal competition among his employees, with a bottle of homemade fruit wine as the prize for the best idea. In the end, he came up with the winning name himself.

LEGO is derived from the Danish words "LEG GODT," which means "play well." The name first officially appeared in company documents in 1936. This immediately established the brand's core value: quality and good play.

A special Latin coincidence

Ole later discovered that the word "lego" can be translated in Latin as "I collect" or "I bring together." A striking similarity to the building system LEGO would later become known for worldwide. Yet this was pure coincidence, because in 1936 the well-known plastic LEGO bricks did not yet exist.

Almost another name

Did you know that the name could have been different? Ole considered the name "LEGIO," inspired by the idea of long rows of toys. In the end, however, he chose the shorter and more powerful LEGO. A choice that grew into one of the strongest brand names in the world.

LEGO at ToyPro

Today LEGO still stands for creative building and endless fun. Whether you are looking for loose LEGO parts, unique LEGO minifigures or inspiration for your next MOC, at ToyPro you will find everything to bring your building ideas to life.

Explore the assortment and build on your own LEGO history.

Images: LEGO® viaLEGO.com

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