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How Bluetooth Got Its Name
This Rudyard Kipling like tale requires a little background information on what exactly Bluetooth is and why it was developed before the origins of its name can be fully appreciated.
In 1994 a group of engineers from Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson, headstrong after their efforts in the DECT standard (Digital European Cordless Telecommunication), began to investigate ways of replacing the cables connecting many of their mobile phone accessories with wireless technology.
During the projects early development years it was codenamed after the Danish Viking Harald Blåtand who, towards the end of the 10th century, as King of Denmark, was famous for the unification of Denmark and Norway.
The name Blatånd translates to Bluetooth in English and with no marketing men to get in the way, the name stuck.
The Bluetooth logo is said to be constructed of the Nordic runes of his initials H and B. Other rumours that the king was particularly fond of blueberries which gave him the name Bluetooth seem unfounded.
Written by Gareth Williams on Jul 20th 2005.
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