The Evolution of Google: From BackRub to a Global Giant

The journey of Google is a fascinating story that begins with its founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and the humble name of BackRub. This article explores the origin of Google's name, the significance of the misspelling, and how this naming error turned into a global phenomenon.

From BackRub to Google

While working on their search engine in their dorm rooms at Stanford University in 1996, Larry Page and Sergey Brin chose the name BackRub for their project. This name was a clever reference to the way their algorithm evaluated the quality of web pages based on backlinks. Before Google, the algorithm primarily counted backlinks as a form of digital votes. The term backrub humorously suggested the idea of backlinks rubbing each other to increase their value.

The Misspelling and the Birth of Google

As the project grew, Page and Brin decided to rename BackRub to something more business-friendly. They considered names like The Whatbox, but quickly dismissed it, deeming it too similar to wetbox which was not a suitable name due to its unsavory connotations. Their dorm roommate, however, suggested the word googol, a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. While they intended to use it, Page misspelled it, resulting in the name Google.

The Google Name: A Mathematical Reflection

In his book In The Plex, Steven Levy writes, In September 1997 Page and Brin renamed BackRub to something they hoped would be suitable for a business. They gave serious consideration to ‘The Whatbox’ until they realized that it sounded too much like ‘wetbox’ which wasn’t family-friendly. Then Page’s dorm roommate suggested they call it ‘googol.’ Levy emphasizes how this name reflected the scale of what Page and Brin were doing; the search engine was aiming to provide vast amounts of information.

A Global Phenomenon

The original domain name Google was available because it wasn’t even a real word until then. The misspelling turned out to be for the best, as the Internet address for the correct spelling was already taken. Google’s founders later concluded that it was easy to type and memorable. Google’s primary purpose was to hunt for text in publicly accessible documents, as opposed to images or data contained in databases. This tool was originally developed in 1997 by Page, Brin, and Hassan.

The Impact of the Name

The misspelling of googol not only gave Google a unique name but also made it a more memorable and catchy term. The domain name was registered, and over time, the name Google became synonymous with search engines. As Google’s popularity grew, so did its influence on the internet and the way we search for information.

Conclusion

From a misspelling of the mathematical term googol, Google is now a global giant, shaping the way we search and access information. The journey from BackRub to Google is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of sometimes embracing accidents and mistakes along the way.

References: