Symbols are one of the oldest forms of communication. Symbols are small, graphic, and can express an idea without the use of the entire word. All symbols in the world have names to which they are referred and defined in English and other languages. The symbol name allows people to express its meaning quickly in writing, math, science, and computer science.
Most of them pose the following questions: What is the name of this symbol? How do I determine what a symbol represents? Why do symbols have names in the first place? They are valid inquiries because once a person knows the name of a symbol, he or she can utilize it effectively in writing, learning, and designing.
Understanding What a Symbol Is
A symbol is an indication or mark that symbolizes something else. For example:
The heart ♥ symbolizes love.
The cross ✝ symbolizes faith.
The arrow → symbolizes direction.
The % symbol stands for “per hundred.”
Symbols work because they are concise and international. You can invite a guest from somewhere to tell you what they do by not writing out the word, even. The thing we use to refer to that visible symbol is called language, e.g., the “at sign” for @ or the “hashtag” for #.
The Origin of Symbol Names
Symbol names usually come from history, religion, or employment of the mark. Symbol names range from thousands of years old to new ones. An example is that the ampersand (&) originated from Latin, while the at sign (@) gained popularity upon the discovery of the internet.
| Symbol | English Name | Origin | Meaning |
| @ | At sign | Medieval merchants used it for “at the rate of” | Used in email and pricing |
| # | Hash or number sign | Derived from “lb” for pound | Number or topic grouping |
| $ | Dollar sign | Short for Spanish peso | Symbol for money |
| % | Percent | Latin “per centum” meaning “by the hundred” | Number per 100 |
| & | Ampersand | From Latin “et” for “and” | Symbol for “and” |
Every one of these names has a story behind it regarding why they do what they do and how they evolved from printed or written letters to keyboard symbols.
Why the Name of a Symbol Matters
The reason a symbol has a name is that it allows people to define the mark by text and words. Without names, symbol talk would be imprecise.
If you were to describe @ without a name, you would have to say, “that round symbol with a circle and a tail.” But “at sign” is easier and international.
Names of symbols help students, authors, teachers, and programmers to communicate. They simplify instructions and books and improve international understanding of language and style.
Name of Symbol in Writing and Grammar
In writing, the majority of symbols are employed to substitute words for space-saving or to bring clarity. Their names are part of the grammar of the computer language.
| Symbol | English Name | Common Use |
| / | Slash or forward slash | Divides alternatives such as “and/or” |
| \ | Backslash | Used in computer path |
| * | Asterisk | Marking emphasis or footnotes |
| – | Hyphen | Marks two words together |
| _ | Underscore | Used in file names or in email addresses |
| ‘ | Apostrophe | Indicates possession |
| ” “ | Quotation marks | Used for speech or titles |
Authors apply symbol names in lessons in language class so that readers will be aware of when and how to use them. In English grammar, for example, we are instructed on what “comma,” “colon,” and “semicolon” are before we use them.
Name of Symbol in Mathematics and Science
Mathematics uses several hundred symbols for representing formulas, relationships, and logical statements. Each symbol is English-named and interpreted.
| Symbol | English Name | Function |
| + | Plus sign | Addition |
| − | Minus sign | Subtraction |
| × | Multiplication sign | Multiply |
| ÷ | Division sign | Divide |
| = | Equals sign | Equality |
| ≠ | Not equal to | Difference |
| ∞ | Infinity | Endless value |
| √ | Square root | Mathematical root |
Science uses a large number of names of symbols for physical unit, chemical substance, or scientific operation. For instance, “°C” represents degree Celsius, “H₂O” represents water, and “Ω” represents ohm, an electric resistance unit.
Name of Symbol in Computers and Technology
Technology utilizes new and old symbols to promote interaction. Each symbol on the keyboard of a computer has an English name and purpose. Programmers, typists, and engineers must learn these names so they can function at their best.
| Symbol | English Name | Use in Technology |
| @ | At sign | Email and internet use |
| # | Hashtag | Social media classification |
| $ | Dollar sign | Coding and money |
| ~ | Tilde | Approximation or list of users |
| ^ | Caret | Programmer exponent |
| <> | Angle brackets | HTML and coding |
| Pipe | ||
| _ | Underscore | File names and usernames |
Even on phones, symbols come to the forefront. Emojis (😊, 💡, ❤️) are new symbols whose names are systematically documented in Unicode standards. Their names help to locate and place them on any platform.
Name of Symbol in Microsoft Word and Text Editors
Students, teachers, and writers often need to place symbols in Microsoft Word or other software. Details about the names of symbols make it simple.
| Method | Steps |
| Insert Symbol | Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Search by name (e.g., degree, delta) |
| Unicode | Enter the Unicode number followed by Alt + X |
| Shortcut | Use in-built shortcuts like Alt + 0169 for copyright symbol |
| Copy-Paste | Copy any symbol from the internet and paste |
| Equation Editor | Enter the name of the symbol like “alphaalphaalpha” or “pipipi” and press space |
Word also easily grants access to the frequently used symbols such as © (copyright), ™ (trademark), and ® (registered). They are required by businesspeople and creative professionals handling intellectual property.
Name of Symbol in Culture and Communication
Symbols go beyond technology and writing because they establish the way people share culture, emotion, and art. Formal descriptions of such iconic symbols as the peace symbol ☮, the heart ♥, or the yin-yang ☯ are words that hold cultural weight that unites people across the globe.
| Symbol | Name | Cultural Meaning |
| ☮ | Peace sign | Takes the form of peace and harmony |
| ☯ | Yin-Yang | Equilibrium of contrary forces |
| ☀ | Sun symbol | Energy and vitality |
| ☦ | Cross | Belief and religion |
| ⚡ | Lightning | Energy and speed |
Artists and designers use symbol names to name their work. A designer will instruct a person to “use the infinity symbol (∞)” to represent ever-lasting love in a logo. English symbol names allow concepts to cross professional and language barriers.
Also Read: Transistor Symbol: History, Meaning, Application, and Digital Purpose
Why It Is Helpful to Know the Name of a Symbol
Symbol names make learning and teaching easier since students can identify and apply them correctly.
It helps programming and technology because programmers use symbol names as syntax.
It helps design and art because designers use names for communication and imagination.
It helps business and writing because the symbol names help keep things exact for trademarks and reports.
Symbols would be vague and useless without names. The name fills the space between image and language.
The Psychology of Symbol Names
Psychologists believe that human brains find it simpler to recall symbols if they are familiar with their names. The brain mixes up visual and verbal memory, and learning becomes simple this way.
For instance, if you see “@,” your mind immediately remembers “at sign” and associates it with email addresses. When you see “#,” you remember social media hashtags or numbers.
This mental connection between the structure of a symbol and its name simplifies learning languages, mathematics, and computer science for humans.
There are names for all the symbols in the world, and names refer to something beyond. Whether it is ancient carvings or new emojis, the naming of symbols has accelerated and eased communication over time.
In science, writing, and technology, the proper names of symbols help to communicate ideas. When typing out a formula in mathematics, creating a logo, or putting up a hashtag, the symbol’s name bridges words and images.
The world of symbols expands every day, and with each new discovery, the creation of a new name opens the door so that people understand and relate to each other across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “name of symbol”?
It is the English word or name that one uses to refer to a symbol, e.g., “ampersand” to & or “hashtag” to #.
Why do we need symbols?
So that we can make communication simpler and enable people to know and refer to them by name.
How do I get the name of a symbol?
Try looking it up on the internet with the symbol, or try using character map and Unicode tables to determine its name.
Where are symbol names utilized?
In writing, mathematics, programming, design, and culture for easy comprehension.
Can I type symbols by name using Word?
Yes, you can locate them under Insert → Symbol → More Symbols or by Unicode numbers.