In 1946, Arizona State University selected its current nickname, the Sun Devils. In the early 20th century, the teams played under the name Normals, but when the university became a four- year institution in 1922, a sportswriter suggested a better nickname be adopted, which was the Bulldogs. For more than two decades, Arizona State had this highly popular name. The Sun Angel Foundation was formed in Tempe in 1946, and a new nickname and start for college athletics were needed.

It was M.O. Best, an ASU supporter, and regent, who came up with the name Sun Angels to symbolize their unselfishness toward a reborn college. ASU supporters soon suggested the student body adopt a modification of this nickname-the Sun Devils-to better represent their teams. A number of students, including George "Pappy" Yates, Chuck Southern, and Gilbert Cady, pushed for the name Devils on campus. The Sun Devil logo was designed by Bert Anthony, an artist at Walt Disney Studios. The fate of ASUs mascot would take the form of a vote on November 8, 1946. The Bulldogs, Sun Devils, and a combination - the Sun Dogs- were voted upon, and with the Sun Devils the decisive victor.