If you’ve ever been driving and noticed a small fish-shaped emblem on the back of another car, you may have wondered what it represents. This simple symbol, often called the “Jesus fish” or Ichthys, carries deep historical and religious meaning. For many people, it is more than just a decorative sticker—it is a symbol of faith, identity, and tradition.

In this article, we’ll explore what the fish symbol means, where it came from, and why millions of drivers around the world display it on their vehicles.

What Is the Fish Symbol?

The fish symbol is known as the Ichthys (pronounced ICK-thees). It is an ancient Christian symbol made up of two curved lines forming the shape of a fish.

The word Ichthys comes from Greek and is an acronym formed from the phrase:

Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter

Which translates to: