The unexpected history behind Bluetooth—how did it get its name?
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We use Bluetooth daily without giving much thought to its name, but have you ever wondered why this wireless technology is called Bluetooth?
Unlike other tech terms that describe function—like Wi-Fi or USB—this name seems completely unrelated to connectivity.
But the reason behind it is more fascinating than you’d expect!
Bluetooth’s origins date back to the 1990s when companies like Intel, Ericsson, and Nokia collaborated to develop a standard for short-range wireless communication.
During this process, Intel’s Jim Kardach suggested "Bluetooth" as a temporary codename.
It was inspired by King Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson, a 10th-century Danish ruler known for uniting Denmark and Norway.
Kardach later explained, "King Harald Bluetooth… was famous for uniting Scandinavia just as we intended to unite the PC and cellular industries with a short-range wireless link."
Initially, the name was never meant to last. The developers planned to choose a more technical-sounding term before launch.
"The options were either RadioWire or PAN (Personal Area Networking), and while PAN was the favorite, it already had tens of thousands of hits on the web," the source explains.
RadioWire, the second choice, ran into trademark issues that couldn’t be resolved in time. With deadlines looming, Bluetooth stuck.
Even the bluetooth logo holds historical significance.
It merges two runes from the Younger Futhark alphabet—Hagall (ᚼ) and Bjarkan (ᛒ)—representing the initials "H" and "B" for Harald Bluetooth.
This clever design choice ensures that the technology's Viking roots are permanently embedded in its identity.
Once people discovered the history behind the name, reactions ranged from amusement to admiration.
One person on Reddit commented, "I love that it's named after a guy. That's so stupid and bad sci-fiesque that it's charming."
Another user wrote, "It was originally intended to be a placeholder name while the project was in development, but it stuck."
Someone else commented: “And all this time, I just thought it was a futuristic font for a ‘b’.”
The unexpected connection between medieval history and modern wireless communication continues to fascinate tech enthusiasts today.
What started as a placeholder name now defines an essential part of our digital lives.
The story of Bluetooth proves that sometimes, the most unconventional ideas are the ones that last.
So, the next time you pair your devices, remember—you’re using a technology named after a Viking king with a discolored tooth.
Who knew history and tech could be such an interesting pair?
Did you already know the story behind Bluetooth’s name? Does learning about its origins change how you see this everyday technology? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s talk about the fascinating ways history and innovation continue to intersect.
Read more: Why tech-savvy older travelers still fear using gadgets on the go
Unlike other tech terms that describe function—like Wi-Fi or USB—this name seems completely unrelated to connectivity.
But the reason behind it is more fascinating than you’d expect!
Bluetooth’s origins date back to the 1990s when companies like Intel, Ericsson, and Nokia collaborated to develop a standard for short-range wireless communication.
During this process, Intel’s Jim Kardach suggested "Bluetooth" as a temporary codename.
It was inspired by King Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson, a 10th-century Danish ruler known for uniting Denmark and Norway.
Kardach later explained, "King Harald Bluetooth… was famous for uniting Scandinavia just as we intended to unite the PC and cellular industries with a short-range wireless link."
Initially, the name was never meant to last. The developers planned to choose a more technical-sounding term before launch.
"The options were either RadioWire or PAN (Personal Area Networking), and while PAN was the favorite, it already had tens of thousands of hits on the web," the source explains.
RadioWire, the second choice, ran into trademark issues that couldn’t be resolved in time. With deadlines looming, Bluetooth stuck.
Even the bluetooth logo holds historical significance.
It merges two runes from the Younger Futhark alphabet—Hagall (ᚼ) and Bjarkan (ᛒ)—representing the initials "H" and "B" for Harald Bluetooth.
This clever design choice ensures that the technology's Viking roots are permanently embedded in its identity.
Once people discovered the history behind the name, reactions ranged from amusement to admiration.
One person on Reddit commented, "I love that it's named after a guy. That's so stupid and bad sci-fiesque that it's charming."
Another user wrote, "It was originally intended to be a placeholder name while the project was in development, but it stuck."
Someone else commented: “And all this time, I just thought it was a futuristic font for a ‘b’.”
The unexpected connection between medieval history and modern wireless communication continues to fascinate tech enthusiasts today.
What started as a placeholder name now defines an essential part of our digital lives.
The story of Bluetooth proves that sometimes, the most unconventional ideas are the ones that last.
So, the next time you pair your devices, remember—you’re using a technology named after a Viking king with a discolored tooth.
Who knew history and tech could be such an interesting pair?
Read more: Why tech-savvy older travelers still fear using gadgets on the go
