'Wi-Fi' originates from the term 'Wireless Fidelity', a play on the term 'Hi-Fi' (High Fidelity).

'Wi-Fi' was coined in 1999 by the brand-consulting firm Interbrand as a more consumer-friendly name for the IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence standard.

Initially, it referred to a specific wireless standard, but now it broadly refers to wireless internet connectivity.