10 Fun and Surprising Facts About Google You Never Knew

We use Google every day to find recipes, check the news, or figure out if we’re spelling “definitely” right. But behind its clean white homepage lies a fascinating story filled with fun facts, strange surprises, and impressive numbers.

In this article, we’re diving into 10 surprising facts about Google that even the most loyal users probably don’t know. From its accidental name to the goats it hires, Google is far more interesting than you might think.

1. Google Was Almost Named "Backrub"

Before becoming the tech giant we know today, Google was originally called Backrub. This strange name came from the system's method of checking backlinks to rank web pages.

Imagine saying, “Just Backrub it.” Thankfully, in 1997, co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin renamed the project “Google,” a twist on the word “googol,” which is the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. They wanted to show just how much information the search engine could handle.

2. The First Google Doodle Was a Fire Warning

The very first Google Doodle wasn’t a celebration of a holiday or historical figure it was a “gone fishing” sign. In 1998, when Page and Brin went to the Burning Man festival, they placed a stick figure behind the Google logo to let users know they were out of the office and wouldn’t be able to fix technical issues right away.

It was fun, simple, and marked the beginning of Google’s long tradition of creative Doodles.

3. Google’s First Office Was a Garage

Like many tech legends, Google’s humble beginnings trace back to a garage. In 1998, Susan Wojcicki (who would later become CEO of YouTube) rented out her garage in Menlo Park, California, to Larry and Sergey for $1,700 a month.

That dusty space is where they built the foundation of one of the most powerful companies in the world. Today, that garage is a symbol of tech startup culture.

4. Google Owns 200+ Companies

Google isn’t just about search anymore. Through its parent company Alphabet, Google has acquired over 200 companies everything from YouTube to Fitbit to DeepMind, an artificial intelligence leader.

This allows Google to expand into hardware, smart home devices, cloud computing, and even health tech, making it a giant across multiple industries.

5. Google Has a Pet-Friendly Policy Including Goats

Google is famous for its relaxed and creative office culture, and yes, that includes pets. But it goes beyond dogs and cats. In one of its more unusual environmental strategies, Google hires goats to “mow” the lawns of its Mountain View campus.

According to Google, goats are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and much quieter than lawnmowers. The goats even have a herder and a border collie to help manage the operation.

6. Over 90% of Global Searches Happen on Google

Google dominates the search engine market and that’s no exaggeration. According to recent data, over 90% of all internet searches worldwide are made through Google.

That’s billions of searches every single day. In fact, Google processes over 8.5 billion searches per day, or more than 99,000 every second. Its reach is unmatched.

7. Google Employees Are Called “Googlers” and “Nooglers”

At Google, employees don’t just get job titles they get fun nicknames. Full-time employees are called Googlers, while new hires are known as Nooglers. You can spot a Noogler by their colorful propeller hats during onboarding.

This playful culture is part of what makes Google consistently rank as one of the best places to work in the world.

8. The "I'm Feeling Lucky" Button Costs Millions

The “I’m Feeling Lucky” button on Google’s homepage lets you skip search results and go directly to the top-ranked page. But did you know this simple button actually costs Google a lot of money?

Since it bypasses ads, Google loses millions of dollars in potential revenue each year because of it. Still, the button remains as part of Google’s original charm and commitment to user experience.

9. Google’s First Tweet Was in Binary Code

In 2009, Google sent out its first tweet. But true to its geeky roots, it wasn’t in English it was in binary. The tweet read: “I’m feeling lucky” written as I’m feeling lucky in binary code (specifically: 01001000 01101001).

This tech-savvy message was a perfect example of Google’s blend of innovation and fun.

10. Google Maps Covers Over 220 Countries and Territories

Whether you're looking for a street in New York or a remote road in Bhutan, Google Maps likely has it. The platform now includes detailed maps of more than 220 countries and territories.

With satellite imagery, Street View, and real-time traffic updates, Google Maps has transformed how people travel and explore and it's all available for free.

What It Means

Google has grown far beyond just a search engine. From quirky goats and garage beginnings to dominating the global search market, its journey is full of fascinating twists and facts.

These little-known details offer a glimpse into the creative spirit and global vision that drives Google. The next time you search for something, remember: there's a lot more going on behind that white screen than meets the eye.

Note: This article is for informational purposes and based on publicly available sources. The facts have been simplified for easy reading and may be updated over time. {alertInfo}