As the engineers worked on this groundbreaking technology, they needed a code name for the project. Jim Kardach, an engineer at Intel and a key figure in the development of the standard, was also a history enthusiast. One day, while reading a historical novel about Vikings — specifically about Harald Bluetooth — Kardach was struck by a powerful analogy.
Just as King Harald had united warring Danish tribes and brought together the peoples of Scandinavia under one rule, the new technology aimed to unite different communication protocols into one universal standard. It was this idea of “unification” that inspired the name Bluetooth.
The team adopted “Bluetooth” as a placeholder name for the project. To their surprise, it resonated so well with the developers and companies involved that it became the official name.
The Viking Symbol in the Bluetooth Logo
The story doesn’t end with just the name. The Bluetooth logo itself also pays homage to King Harald. The iconic symbol — a sharp, angular shape in white on a blue background — is a bind rune, combining two letters from the Younger Futhark, the runic alphabet used during the Viking Age.
These letters are:
ᚼ (Hagall) = H for Harald
ᛒ (Bjarkan) = B for Bluetooth
When merged together, they form the distinctive Bluetooth logo — a rune-based monogram of King Harald’s initials. It’s a perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, a silent nod to history carried in every smartphone and wireless device.
Legacy of the Name
In retrospect, the decision to name a wireless technology after a Viking king might seem odd, but it’s turned out to be a brilliant branding move. The name is short, memorable, and evocative. It subtly tells a story of connection, cooperation, and innovation — values that underpin both Harald’s reign and the Bluetooth protocol.
What started as an internal codename became a globally recognized standard. Today, billions of devices worldwide use Bluetooth technology to connect — from fitness trackers and game controllers to cars and smart appliances. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a good story — and a good king.
Conclusion
The tale of Bluetooth technology is more than just a story of engineering — it’s a fascinating example of how history, language, and symbolism can intersect with science and progress. The next time you pair your headphones or send a file via Bluetooth, take a moment to remember the Viking king who, more than a millennium ago, unified a realm — and whose legacy continues to connect the world in ways he could never have imagined. shutdown123