Scientist names

Kip

American diminution of Christopher, Greek and Latin

"bearer of Christ"

Kip Thorne, nobel laureate and long-time colleague of Stephen Hawking, is just one of several Kips who don't have a longer name. But Kip is often short for Christopher.

Hans

German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of Johannes

Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old…

Karl

German and Scandinavian variation of Charles

Manly almost to the point of macho.

Archibald

Scottish from German

"truly brave"

The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler…

Arnold

English from German

"ruler, strong as an eagle"

Strange as it may now seem, the venerable St. Arnold was a Greek by birth, a musician who became a member of the court of Charlemagne. The name is said to have been introduced into Britain by the…

Wilhelm

German variation of William

"resolute protection"

This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner,…

Ernst

German variation of Ernest

Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.

Gustav

Teutonic

"staff of the Goths"

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.

Walther

Walther is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Walter. The name derives from the Old German elements 'wald' meaning 'rule' or 'power' and 'hari' meaning 'army,'…