Why is it called Dribbble?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

Dribbble, the popular platform for designers to showcase their work, has a unique and catchy name. The story behind its name is quite interesting. According to Dan Cederholm, one of the co-founders of Dribbble, the name came about from the dual metaphors of bouncing ideas and leaking your work.

The word “dribble” itself has a few different meanings. One meaning is the act of bouncing a ball, which can be seen as a metaphor for bouncing ideas around. In the creative process, ideas are often tossed back and forth, refined, and improved upon. The name Dribbble captures this concept of sharing and bouncing ideas in a visual and playful way.

Another meaning of “dribble” is the act of leaking or slowly releasing something. In the context of Dribbble, this can be seen as a metaphor for leaking your work to the public. Designers on Dribbble have the opportunity to showcase their creations, share their progress, and gather feedback from the community. It’s like a controlled release of their work, allowing others to see and appreciate their talent.

To make the name more unique and to secure a domain name, an extra ‘b’ was added to the word “dribble”. It’s a simple modification that gives the name a distinct and memorable spelling. This small change made it possible for Dribbble to create a brand and establish its online presence.

The name Dribbble perfectly captures the essence of the platform, which is a place for designers to bounce ideas, share their work, and engage with a community of like-minded individuals. It’s a clever and playful name that reflects the creative nature of the platform.

The name Dribbble originated from the metaphors of bouncing ideas and leaking your work. The addition of an extra ‘b’ was a strategic move to secure a domain name. the name effectively represents the purpose and spirit of the platform, making it a recognizable and memorable brand in the design community.