Did you know Bluetooth is named after a Viking king? Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, who lived over 1,000 years ago, was renowned for uniting Denmark and Norway. This...

Did you know Bluetooth is named after a Viking king? Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, who lived over 1,000 years ago, was renowned for uniting Denmark and Norway. This historical connection mirrors Bluetooth’s role in linking electronic devices today. Secrets of the Ancients reports that the logo itself incorporates Nordic runes representing Harald’s initials, H and B, blending ancient history with modern technology. Interestingly, Harald earned his nickname due to a dark blue or grey tooth, which stood out prominently.

In 1996, Intel’s Jim Kardach suggested “Bluetooth” as a codename for the wireless technology project, inspired by Harald’s unifying legacy. Although intended as a temporary name, it became permanent when alternatives like "RadioWire" and "PAN" faced trademark issues. Today, Bluetooth is synonymous with short-range wireless communication, symbolizing the unity King Harald once brought to Scandinavia.