The main pattern of the emblem of South China Normal University is the overlap of the three characters "human", which explains the essence of "people-oriented" and "a threesome, there must be a teacher". The main pattern is rigorous in structure and connected by dotted lines, implying that education is "the combination, intersection and extension of humanistic spirit and scientific spirit"; The bright colors express the educational significance of "shine on you is better than blue".

The present school emblem was put into use in 2003 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the school.

As for whose handwriting the words "South China Normal University" are, according to the literature published on the 75th anniversary celebration in 2008, which inscription is the name of the school is now impossible to verify. But there are rumors that the font of the school name is selected from Chairman Mao's font.