In ten years, Bluetooth wireless technology has entered everyday language and everyday electronic gadgets. Once a luxury item, many people would now consider Bluetooth technology in cars, phones and their offices a necessity. But what about the name, Bluetooth? Why was that chosen to front a brand name of communications and interactive technology? Bluetooth sounds more like a name for a brand of toothpaste or for fish food rather than for technology, doesn't it?

Say Hello To King Harold Blatant

"Bluetooth" was the nickname of Danish King Harold (or Harald) Blatant, who lived in the 900's. Also, the official website of Bluetooth wireless technology says that "bluetooth" is the English translation of "Blatant". He was a Viking, which are not really known to be cooperative. At the time of Bluetooth's life, the English had invaded the land and conquered it. This did not go down with the proud and determined Bluetooth.

Bluetooth managed to get all the tribal leaders to cooperate to drive out the invaders. In the process, he was elected the first King of Denmark. Also, the country officially got a name. It wasn't really a country then, just a collection of tribal lands in control of local powers. They used to spend a lot of time arguing with their neighbors, leaving then wide open for English invasion.

So, what does King Harold have to do with Bluetooth wireless technology? Well, as he managed to get all of the Danish talking to each other, so Bluetooth wireless technology gets different kinds of electronic gadgets talking and working together. Yes, it's a very convoluted reason for naming a gadget. Sometimes geeks study history, too.

How Did He Get That Nickname?

This writer happens to have a BA in English and has taken a few courses in linguistics and the history of the English language. I've come to the conclusion that I highly doubt the official website for Bluetooth wireless technology when it comes to history. The site is brilliant for gadgets and technology, though.

"Blatant" has been in the English language for a long time, quite possibly as long as the 900's. It didn't get used in the common vernacular until the 1500's, when the writings of Edmund Spenser equated "blatant" with "loud and rude". It is possible that we get the word "blatant" from King Bluetooth – but that still doesn't explain why the English called him Bluetooth in the first place.

Considering it was the 900's, the King could've literally had blue teeth and this was a name used in derision. However, I tend to think that the Danish language has expressions for someone who is a very good speaker and communicator. Even today, we have the expression "silver tongued." Bluetooth could have been an old expression for "silver tongued". This would make more sense in light of why Bluetooth wireless technology's company Ericsson chose King Harold as their inspiration.