Pet Names for Geeks and Nerds

  1. Thor
    • Origin:

      Norse and Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "thunder"
    • Description:

      Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.
  2. Neville
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "new town"
    • Description:

      More often used in Britain than here, where most names ending in ville fall into the unthinkable class, this might make an exception via fans of the musical Neville Brothers.
  3. Bucky
    • Description:

      Bucky is a masculine diminutive nickname that typically derives from names like Buchanan, Buck, or sometimes William/Bill. With American roots, it carries a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of nostalgia. The name evokes a down-to-earth, all-American charm and has occasionally gained visibility through fictional characters like Bucky Barnes in Marvel comics and films. Though relatively uncommon as a formal given name, it maintains popularity as an affectionate nickname, particularly in the southern United States. The name has a youthful, endearing quality that sometimes follows individuals into adulthood, conveying a sense of approachability and warmth. Its informal nature gives it a distinctive casual character compared to more formal masculine names.

  4. Rocket
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Starbaby name that might prove too supercharged for real life, but if like director Robert Rodriguez you're interested only in boys' names starting with R, you may need to add Rocket (and Rebel and Racer) to your list.
  5. Wanda
    • Origin:

      Slavic or German
    • Meaning:

      "shepherdess; wanderer"
    • Description:

      Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.
  6. Diggory
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "Lost one"
    • Description:

      This buoyant name has the same bouncy rhythm as Rafferty and Barnaby, but is virtually unused. It has plenty of literary cred, too: characters in The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native have all borne the name.
  7. Jubilee
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "ram's horn"
    • Description:

      Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's Duggars for their miscarried child.
  8. Gambit
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Gambit means ploy or trick, which makes it an appropriate name for a little player. Eight boys were named Gambit in the US in one recent year.
  9. Pixie
    • Origin:

      Swedish or Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "fairy"
    • Description:

      Pixie is a cute -- quite possibly too cute -- name that suddenly feels possible thanks to the craze for names that contain the letter x. Though its origin may be uncertain, a pixie is internationally recognized as a sprite or fairy: tiny, sometimes green, usually pointy-eared.
  10. Aero
    • Description:

      Aero is a distinctive masculine name with modern appeal, derived from the Greek word 'aer' meaning 'air' or 'atmosphere.' This contemporary name evokes associations with flight, freedom, and the expansiveness of the sky. While relatively uncommon as a given name, Aero has gained modest recognition through its use in aviation terminology and as a brand name for various products related to movement and technology. The name's brevity and strong vowel sounds create a memorable quality that appeals to parents seeking something unconventional yet accessible. Aero's simplicity makes it easily pronounced across different languages, giving it international versatility. As a name choice, it projects an image of dynamism and modernity, appealing to those drawn to nature-inspired names with a technological edge.
  11. Yelena
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
    • Description:

      One of many international versions of this classic.
  12. Loki
    • Origin:

      Norse mythological name
    • Meaning:

      "lock"
    • Description:

      Loki is the shape-shifting, gender-bending god of mischief in Norse mythology. Taking several animal forms, from a salmon to a seal to a fly, Loki is alternately friend and foe of the gods.
  13. Cirilla
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Cyrilla, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lordly"
    • Description:

      This obscure antiquated name is finding new life thanks to The Witcher series, whose heroine is named Princess Cirilla, nickname Ciri. The feminine form of Cyril, Cirilla has now surpassed the original Cyrilla in usage, given to 40 baby girls in the US in 2021 vs. only 10 called Cyrilla. We eonder how many parents will call their daughters Ciri.
  14. Copper
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "a reddish brown mineral"
    • Description:

      More unique than Cooper, and a favorite among pet parents. Copper was the loveable bloodhound from Disney's Fox and the Hound. Keep in mind that Copper is also slang for a policeman.
  15. Elektra
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "shining, bright"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Electra makes this vibrant name less electric and more kinetic.
  16. Hedwig
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "war"
    • Description:

      An ancient German saint's name – and most famously the name of Harry Potter's snowy owl – but the combination of "head" plus "wig" feels a little too literal in English.
  17. Thanos
    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Athanasios
    • Meaning:

      "immortal"
    • Description:

      Thanos originated as a short form of Athanasios, a Greek name meaning "immortal." It is composed of the elements a, a negative Greek prefix, and thanatos, meaning "death." St. Athanasius, who used the Latin spelling of the name, was a bishop of Alexandria and known for his opposition to Arianism.
  18. Rogue
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      For parents who hope their child will one day carve their own path.
  19. Mercury
    • Origin:

      Roman
    • Meaning:

      "messenger of the gods, quicksilver"
    • Description:

      It's a car brand, a planet, and the messenger of the gods -- but it's questionable whether it works as a little girl's name.
  20. Geralt
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler with the spear"
    • Description:

      Geralt is an antiquated version of the old-fashioned name Gerald, which has been dropping toward the bottom of the US Top 1000 since the early 1940s and finally dropped out in 2021.

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