WD-40 is one of those products that seems to exist everywhere—tucked into garages, toolboxes, and kitchen drawers, ready for squeaky hinges or stubborn bolts. Most people know what it does, but far fewer know where it came from or what its unusual name actually means. Behind that familiar blue-and-yellow can is a story rooted in problem-solving, persistence, and practical science rather than clever branding.

The name dates back to 1953, when a small team at WD-40’s original maker, Rocket Chemical Company, was trying to solve a very specific issue: protecting metal from rust by pushing moisture away. Led by chemist Norm Larsen, the team experimented repeatedly to develop a formula that would do exactly that. After dozens of failed attempts, the breakthrough finally came on the fortieth try. The name reflected that moment—“WD” for water displacement, and “40” for the successful experiment.

What’s notable is that the name wasn’t created to sound catchy or marketable. It was simply a straightforward label describing what the product did and how it was developed. Over time, the formula proved useful far beyond its original industrial purpose. People began using it for household repairs, automotive maintenance, and everyday fixes, often without ever knowing the story behind the label. Public curiosity about the name resurfaced years later when journalists and trivia lovers highlighted its surprisingly literal origin.

Today, WD-40’s reputation rests on consistency rather than hype. Its longevity comes from doing exactly what it promises, decade after decade. The story behind its name is a reminder that some of the most enduring products aren’t built on marketing slogans, but on persistence, experimentation, and a solution that simply works. What started as a technical answer to a narrow problem has become a trusted staple for everyday problem-solving across generations.