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GNU is a Unix-like operating system. That means it is a collection of many programs: applications, libraries, developer tools, even games.

The development of GNU, started in January 1984, is known as the GNU Project. Many of the programs in GNU are released under the auspices of the GNU Project; those we call GNU packages.

But where does the GNU word come from?

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GNU is a recursive acronym, GNU's Not UNIX

It was chosen because:

The name “GNU” was chosen because it met a few requirements; first, it was a recursive acronym for “GNU's Not Unix”, second, because it was a real word, and third, it was fun to say (or Sing).

See this GNU webpage for more historical information on the the name.

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    The character Gary Gnu from The Great Space Coaster was also inspired by The Gnu song. It was on from 1981, and GNU was released during its initial run, so I wonder if there isn't an influence that Richard Stallman is leaving out of the story, and that would be g-news.
    – AMR
    Aug 24, 2015 at 1:28
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"Gnu" itself, meaning a type of African antelope, also called a "Wildebeast", is from the Khoikhoi language of Africa, the initial "G" indicating the glottal stop that is exensively used in Khoikhoi.

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  • Can you present any evidence for your claim? It contradicts accepted wisdom.
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Aug 24, 2015 at 10:49

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