Many people are only now discovering the surprising history behind Bluetooth’s unusual name, and the revelation has left them completely stunned.
The everyday technology with an unexpected origin
People use Bluetooth daily, but few know the fascinating history behind its name. The story dates back over a thousand years, leaving many people stunned when they learn the truth.
Bluetooth technology was developed in the 1990s by Intel, Ericsson, and Nokia.
Initially, the name was only meant to be temporary until marketing teams found something more fitting. However, the creators ultimately decided to keep it, and for good reason.
Who was King Harald Bluetooth?
The name Bluetooth comes from King Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, a 10th-century Danish ruler.
He was famous for uniting Denmark and Norway in 958. The nickname “Bluetooth” came from his dead tooth, which had a dark blue-gray color.
Jim Kardach, an Intel engineer, suggested the name in 1996.
He compared the king’s unification of Scandinavia to Bluetooth’s goal of connecting different devices. The name, once a placeholder, became permanent.
Why was Bluetooth chosen over other names?
At first, the developers considered other names, such as RadioWire and PAN (Personal Area Networking).
PAN was a favorite, but it already had thousands of online references. RadioWire seemed like a strong alternative, but trademark issues delayed its approval.
As a result, the team had no choice but to keep Bluetooth. The unexpected name stuck, and the rest is history.
The Bluetooth logo is more than just a symbol.
It combines two runes from the Younger Futhark alphabet: Hagall (ᚼ) and Bjarkan (ᛒ). These runes represent King Harald’s initials, adding another layer of historical significance.
People react to the surprising name
Many people are shocked when they discover Bluetooth’s origins.
One Reddit user commented: I love that it’s named after a guy. That’s so stupid and bad sci-fi-esque that it’s charming.
Another person wrote: I always thought the logo was just a futuristic ‘B.’ I had no idea it was runes.
Though Bluetooth was never meant to be the official name, it has become one of the most recognizable terms in technology. From an ancient king to modern wireless connections, the name represents unity—just as its creators intended.