Science and Technology Names

A much rarer alternative to Alexander that also gives you the oh-so-cool nickname Nico. Nicander derives from the Greek name Nikandros "man of victory", which belonged to a 2nd century BC poet and grammarian.

Ether is an uncommon feminine name derived from scientific and philosophical concepts rather than traditional naming conventions. The word 'ether' historically referred to the fifth element in ancient and medieval science, thought to fill the upper regions of space. It was considered the material that made up the heavens and celestial bodies. The name evokes ethereal qualities—lightness, elegance, and otherworldliness. In modern contexts, it might appeal to parents drawn to scientific terminology or abstract concepts as naming inspiration. While quite rare as a given name, Ether offers a distinctive choice with philosophical depth and celestial associations, fitting among other element-inspired names but with a more mystical quality.

Isambard is derived from Old German Isanbert, meaning "bright iron" or "famous iron". Its most famous bearer, rather fittingly, is the 19th century British civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, noted as one of the driving forces of the Industrial Revolution.

Seventeenth-century German polymath Johannes Kepler discovered the laws of planetary notion, along with the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. A handful of parents use his last name for their sons every year -- with good reason. It's a solid-feeling but unique name with a great, aspirational namesake.

Spacey.

Tau, rhyming with cow, is a simple straightforward name with roots in two languages and cultures, the Kaurna language spoken by indigenous Australian people or the African Tswana language, a Bantu language spoken by five million people.

Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.

Hubble is an uncommon masculine name derived from an Old English surname, which originally referred to someone who lived near a small hill or mound (from 'hob' or 'hub'). The name gained significant recognition through astronomer Edwin Hubble, after whom NASA's Hubble Space Telescope was named. This scientific association lends the name connotations of discovery, vision, and exploration of the cosmos. As a first name, Hubble remains extremely rare, making it a truly distinctive choice. It carries a bookish, intellectual quality while maintaining a friendly, approachable sound. Parents who choose this name often have an appreciation for astronomy, science, or simply desire an uncommon name with historical significance and positive intellectual associations.

Soaring astral name has a great gender-free feel. It also has a pleasing christmas connotation, courtesy of the reindeer listed in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

A jaunty, traditional name in Sweden's Top 100. Famous bearers include actor Svante Thunberg (Greta's father) and the father of physical chemistry Svante August Arrhenius. The name Svante is short for Svantepolk, the name of a Slavic nobleman who settled in Sweden in the 14th century.

A mathematical possibility, but the odds are against it.

The Roman god of the underworld, the former ninth planet, a cartoon dog...but not a baby.

This would be tough enough for a boy to handle, but near impossible for a girl.

Like Silver, Golden is a shimmering metallic color name, almost too dazzling perhaps. Nevertheless, Golden could be an unexpected route to the vintage nickname Goldie or a less floral alternative to Marigold. Former soccer player and team owner, Brittany Mahomes, chose the name Golden (middle name Raye) for her second daughter in 2025, sister to Sterling Skye and Patrick "Bronze" Lavon.

Even more daunting than Nicodemus.

Penrose – an ancient place-name and surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – would make for an even more unexpected alternative to quirky nature name Primrose. Intuitive nicknames Penny or Rosie make it feel more wearable.

This shimmery lunar name is rising in popularity as a middle name for both sexes.

Seinfeld's George threatened to name his future child Seven, and then singer Erykah Badu actually did it.

Petri is a masculine name with Finnish and Scandinavian origins, functioning as the Finnish form of Peter. Derived from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' it carries connotations of strength and steadfastness. While common in Finland, where it ranks among traditional favorites, Petri remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive international flair. The name gained some recognition through the scientific term 'Petri dish,' named after German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri. With its short, crisp sound and strong ending, Petri offers a modern-feeling alternative to the more common Peter while maintaining the same venerable history and meaning. The name blends simplicity with unique cultural heritage.

The modern Tyge, also found in other European countries as Tygo, Tyko, Tage, and Tycho, can be considered a form of the Old Norse Tóki, a diminutive for any names containing the Thor element. In turn, it is related to the thunder god, giving the name a mythology connecting and a stormy vibe.