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Bluetooth Is Named After A Scandinavian King Who Died Over 1,000 Years Ago

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Bluetooth.

It’s been around for 20 years. We see the name and iconic logo on virtually every device we own — Bluetooth headphones, Bluetooth speakers, even Bluetooth-enabled toothbrushes.

As is the case with most product names we encounter every day, we often take for granted that they are just called what they are called. A frappuccino is a frappuccino because it sounds tasty, right? Actually, it’s a frozen cappuccino. WiFi may just seem like a funky word for the life-sustaining force that makes internet browsing possible, but it’s actually short for “Wireless Fidelity.”

What about Bluetooth? What is the so-obvious-it’s-funny explanation for the technology that made you think strangers on the bus were talking to you when in reality they were just on the phone?

As it turns out, Bluetooth is named after a 10th-century Scandinavian king.

Harald “Blåtand” Gormsson was a viking king who ruled Denmark and Norway from the year 958 until 985. There are many accomplishments credited to him, but greatest of all is that he united Denmark and Norway under his rule.

Gormsson was also known for his dead tooth, which had a very dark blue/grey shade. It was so prominent that his nickname was Blåtand, which literally translates from Danish to “Bluetooth.”

But what could this possibly have to do a wireless technology that lets you use a hands-free headset while you drive?

[vc_btn title=”Continue reading” style=”outline” color=”primary” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Fbluetooth-name-origin-2017-3|title:Continue%20reading|target:%20_blank|”][vc_message message_box_style=”3d” message_box_color=”blue” css_animation=”none”]Business Insider, excerpt posted on SouthFloridaReporter.com, Mar. 24, 2017[/vc_message]