Google, the search engine giant that has become a household name, was not always called Google. In fact, it originally had a completely different name – BackRub. The idea was to reflect the search engine’s ability to analyze “search links” backward on the web. However, the name BackRub was soon replaced by Google, a variation of the mathematical term “Googol” which represents a one followed by 100 zeros. This change came after a brainstorming session in 1997, where founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, along with their team, debated new names for their project.
The name Google was accidentally misspelled from Googol, but Page found it more attractive and decided to secure the domain as Google Inc. This rebranding marked the beginning of the iconic company that we know today.
Despite popular misconceptions, Google is not an acronym for “Global Organization of Earth-Oriented Group Languages.” Instead, it is a mathematical term that symbolizes large proportions, reflecting the search engine’s mission to organize vast amounts of information online.
The story of Google’s name origin resurfaced after a Quora post asked whether Google was an acronym. This led to speculation and discussions about the company’s early days and how the name Google came to be. David Koller, a Stanford University computer scientist, shed light on the history of Google’s branding in 2004, revealing the process behind the name change from BackRub to Google.
Today, Google is synonymous with internet search and has expanded its services to encompass various tech products and innovations. The journey from BackRub to Google showcases the creativity and vision of its founders, who were able to transform a simple search engine into a global powerhouse. The accidental misspelling of Googol to Google turned out to be a fortuitous decision that shaped the company’s identity and set it on the path to success.
In conclusion, the name Google may have started as a mathematical term, but it has now evolved into a symbol of innovation, creativity, and technological prowess. The story behind Google’s name change serves as a reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit and unconventional thinking that led to the creation of one of the most influential companies in the world.
Article Source
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1912584/google-original-name-was-odd/amp