Rewind & Capture

How Tech Brands Got Their Names

  • Step By Step Naming Guide
  • How Brands Got Their Names
    • How Food Brands Got Their Names
    • How Tech Brands Got Their Names
    • How Car Brands Got Their Names
    • How Fast Food Brands Got Their Names
  • Test A Startup Name
  • Naming Partners
  • Guest Posts
  • Our Story
  • Contact

Why is it Called Skype?

September 11, 2014 by Adam Lang 3 Comments

Skype (owned by Microsoft) is a freemium communication service that was created by Janus Friis and Niklas Zennström in 2003. The company was initially headquartered in Luxembourg, but was later purchased by eBay in 2005 for $2.5 billion. A few years later in 2011, Microsoft purchased Skype Technologies from Ebay for $8.5 Billion in cash (their largest acquisition to date).

Skype makes communication easy, fun and enjoyable. Users can use their built in microphone and camera to chat over the internet (VoIP) rather than racking up all those long distance minutes or roaming charges. You can also transfer files, share screens and video conference (similar to Google Hangouts). Skype calls from peer to peer on a computer are free. However, Skype charges users a low fee to make outgoing calls to landline and mobile devices. You can either buy credits (pay as you go) or purchase a subscription fee to make calls or send texts all around the world. The app is available on Android, iOS and Blackberry 10 operating system.

Why is Skype called Skype?

Unlike most other VoIP services, Skype is a hybrid peer-to-peer and client–server system. Friis and Zennström wanted their name to reflect this. Initially, they called it “Sky Peer-to-Peer,” since the connection utilized peer-to-peer technology that worked without wires. However it’s not exactly the easiest name to remember or spell and it’s definitely not fun, one of the characteristics of their product. They needed something catchy, but relevant to their product. They eliminated “e-to-peer,” which shortened it to Skyper, but skyper.com was already registered so they removed the “r” and called it Skype. Also, notice the cloud (sky reference) engulfing the Skype logo.

See also: 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Business

Skype To Go

Humans Skype, Apes Skype

Two orangutans, Mei and Mukah, of Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas, have started using Skype and other technology as part of an enrichment program, participating in video calls with other orangutans at distant zoos.

Mei and Mukah Skype

I haven’t used Skype since 2009, however these sounds sure bring back vivid memories. What type of video communication do you use? Thanks for reading Why is it called Skype.  #whyisitcalledskype

Adam Lang

Adam Lang is the founder and editor of Rewind & Capture. He is passionate about creative marketing, design and brand etymology.

Filed Under: How Tech Brands Got Their Names Tagged With: Skype, Skype Story

Trackbacks

  1. Why is Evernote Called Evernote? | Rewind & Capture says:
    October 25, 2015 at 1:21 am

    […] over some cash. At 3:00am,  Libin and the Evernote fan, who happened to be from Sweden, opened up Skype and after just 20 minutes, an agreement was made. Next week, the mega fan wired $500,000, which […]

    Reply
  2. Why is Yammer Called Yammer? | Rewind & Capture says:
    November 19, 2016 at 11:24 pm

    […] for how we communicate with our coworkers and colleagues. There’s email, Slack, Basecamp, Zoom, Skype, and Yammer. Plus a slew of other […]

    Reply
  3. How to Name Your Agency - The Ultimate Guide - Synup says:
    September 4, 2018 at 6:05 am

    […] But this doesn’t mean that you must restrict your options to only words that already exist. Skype, the popular telecommunications product, means nothing in any language. Since the founders wanted the company name to represent “sky peer-to-peer”, they thought they would name it “skyper”, but the domain was already bought. They then decided to drop the ‘r’ and call it Skype instead, and that still ended up being a great name for the company. (Source) […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crowdsource a name with Squadhelp

Join Our Naming Community

Rewind & Capture

  • © Copyright 2021
  • Rewind & Capture
  • All Right Reserved

About

  • Our Story

Naming Resources

  • Step By Step Naming Guide
  • Test A Startup Name
  • How Tech Brands Got Their Names
  • How Food Brands Got Their Names
  • Naming Partners
  • Guest Posts

Contact

  • Email Us
  • Follow us on Twitter