Origin of Java

Java is obviously a very popular brand name.  It’s far more well-known than its distributor Sun Microsystems. But where did this name come from? Surely it has nothing to do with programming languages, nor is it an acronym of any sort to represent the programming language Java.

As weird as it may sound, Java was originally called Oak, named after an oak tree that stands outside one of the creator’s office. But after finding out that Oak Technology (a supplier of chips for sound/graphic card) had trademarked that name, a brain storming session was held to determine a new name for what is now known as Java. All members of what was then called ‘Live Oak’ (members that was working on the language) attended.

The session was nothing but organized. People were screaming and yelling out any words that appeal to them. It’s rumored that half the dictionary was yell out at one point or another. This entire wild and craziness is similar to how the internet was when Justin Hall first started using it. Like the brainstorming session, there were no restrictions or regulations that determine what is appropriate and what is forbidden to say on the internet.

WebDancer, WebSpinner, Ruby, WRL, for WebRunner Language, Pepper, NetProse, Neon, Silk, DNA and finally Java (from Peet’s Java) are among the many words that were uttered in the meeting. Ten finalists were selected and sent to the attorney office for approval. Three came back clean. They are DNA, Silk, and of course, Java. A final vote is held. Every member of the meeting is to rank the three names by their preference. The name Silk received the most “most-favorite” votes but also received the most “least-favor” vote. Silk was dropped as a result. Between DNA and Java, Java was crowned champion.

Will Java gain the popularity it had today if it went by a different name? Who knows. Will it sound weird if Java is still called Oak? Oh yes, definitely.