From Codeium to Windsurf — Why a Brand’s Name Is More Than a Label
A subtle rebrand with a bold impact: How Codeium evolved into Windsurf — and why owning windsurf.com makes all the difference.
Published on
Apr 17, 2025
From Functional to Emotional
In April 2024, the popular AI coding assistant Codeium quietly revealed a new identity: Windsurf.
The name change came without a dramatic launch or flashy campaign. But under the surface, it signals a deeper shift — in how the company sees itself, its users, and its long-term position in a rapidly growing market.
Codeium was always a strong product name — clean, techy, and clearly descriptive. But it was also exactly that: descriptive. With the rebrand to Windsurf, the company moves from a product-focused name to a brand-focused name. One that’s open-ended, emotive, and metaphorical.
„Coding with AI should feel like catching the wind — not fighting the waves.“
– Windsurf (Homepage)
In a world where every new dev tool fights for attention, Windsurf steps into a more timeless, brandable space — one that isn’t locked into a single vertical or feature.
The Power of Owning windsurf.com
The choice of name alone would’ve been bold. But the company went a step further and acquired the exact-match .com domain: windsurf.com. That’s more than a cosmetic upgrade — it’s a strategic brand move.
Owning a clean, real-word .com domain:
Signals legitimacy and long-term commitment
Builds instant trust with users, developers, and enterprises
Avoids confusion across platforms and regions
Positions the brand for future expansion — beyond just AI coding
In today’s internet, your domain is often the very first impression you leave.
Windsurf understood that — and made it part of the brand story.
Sources:
windsurf.com