With smarts once again being cool, there’s no denying that nerdy names and science names are finally making a renaissance! Whether you’re expecting a boy or a girl, and whether you want to give a nod to your love of science, mythology, history, or great literature, this list of awesomely nerdy names will have you covered.
Jump straight to nerdy names for boys or girls inspired by:
- Science
- Astronomy, and Stars
- Literature
- Mythology
- History
- Classic Cinema
- And More!
Our Favorite Nerdy Names
- Our Favorite Nerdy Names
- Science Names
- Science Names For Girls
- Science Names For Boys
- Astronomy and Star Names For Girls
- Astronomy and Star Names For Boys
- Geeky Names For Girls
- Nerdiest Names For Girls
- Nerdy Names For Girls
- Nerdy Names For Girls
Author’s note: These nerdy names are inspired by my love of learning and geeking out, so much so, that my own kids bear some of these as middle names!
Science Names
Science Names For Girls
Ada.
Ada’s not only a cute nerdy name, it’s wonderfully badass as well. Inspired by Ada Lovelace (aka Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace) an English mathematician and writer known for her contribution to the first “computer” – a woman ahead of her time!
Jane.
Jane – a name whose simplicity makes it perfect for any situation – as Jane Goodall, the famous scientist famous for studying primates by living among them would prove.
Marie.
If you want to pay homage to the pursuit of knowledge and science – name your daughter after Marie Curie. The woman who discovered radioactivity and was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.
4. Rosalind.
While this name means “lovely rose” through Latin origins, we can’t help but nerd out to Rosalind Franklin’s major contribution to discovering DNA.
Valentina.
This name carries weight and seriousness, while still having a romantic flair. It’s popular in many European cultures, means “healthy and strong” in Latin, and represents a major first in human history. The first woman in space – Valentina Tereshkova.
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Science Names For Boys
Albert.
Quick! Think of a famous scientist. No doubt you thought of Albert Einstein. This nerdy name is a wonderful nod to the love for modern science. The name Albert has multiple European origins meaning “noble, “bright” and “famous.”
Atom.
While it’s not a “real name” Atom can be a nerdy alternative to Adam for quirky, science-loving parents.
Buzz.
Buzz, after Buzz Aldrin, is not only a super cool name, it’s a nod to the very first moon mission.
Darwin.
An evolved name like Darwin is sure to turn heads.
Galileo.
An astronomer and mathematician, Galileo Galilei was a man before his time. He was the first to see craters on the moon, discovered Sunspots and the moons of Jupiter, and was ultimately imprisoned for claiming that Earth revolves around the Sun and not the other way around.
Maxwell.
If you’ve studied physics, you’ve had to learn “Maxwell’s equations of light” that basically derived the speed of light as we know it today. The Scottish name Maxwell means “the great stream.”
Neil.
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” A name like Neil can be a nod to the first man on the moon – Neil Armstrong – or the most famous astrophysicist – Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
Newton.
The father of classical physics and the three laws of motion (not to mention, the inventor of calculus.) Your son will stand on the shoulders of a giant with a name like this. If Newton is a little much, you can always pay homage to this physicist with Isaac which means “one who laughs.”
Niels.
Niels is a cool-sounding Scandinavian nerdy name made famous by Danish physicist Niels Bohr. Remember those atom diagrams you had to draw in science class, you can thank old Niels (as well as Ernest Rutherford) for that!
Nikola.
While the last name Tesla is already too popular, the first name Nikola is still up for grabs as an ultra-cool nerdy name (after Nikola Tesla) representing pushing past scientific barriers.
Sagan.
Carl Sagan made science, space, and the universe interesting and accessible to us normal people with his book “Cosmos” and would make a fun nerdy name for a boy.
Tyson.
Speaking of making science accessible, who’s the most famous living scientist you can think of? Neil Degrasse Tyson, of course! He’s truly an example that loving to learn and being a nerd pays off.
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Astronomy and Star Names
If you’re looking for names that mean star, you’ll love this list!
Astronomy and Star Names For Girls
Adhara.
This is the name of the second brightest star in the Canis Major constellation. The name means “maidens” from Arabic.
Aludra.
Aludra is also the name of a star in Canis Major, and also means “maiden” in Arabic.
Arista.
Arista is the name of a star in the Virgo constellation. It means “ear of grain” from Latin roots.
Bellatrix.
This cool name is a star on Orion. It means “female warrior” in Latin.
Hydra.
Hydra is one of Pluto’s moons, as well as its own constellation. The name comes from Greek mythology and means “water serpent.”
Lyra.
Lyra is a constellation that’s said to be shaped like the lyre of Orpheus.
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Astronomy and Star Names For Boys
Altair.
Altair is a star in the Aquila constellation, and means “flyer” in Arabic.
Antares.
Antares is the brightest star in the Scorpius constellation. The name means “opposing Ares” in Greek.
Daneb.
Daneb is a star on the Cygnus constellation, and means “tail” through Arabic roots.
Regulus.
Regulus appears on the Leo constellation, and means “little king” through Roman origins.
Rigel.
Rigel appears on the left foot of Orion, and means “foot” in Arabic.
Sirius.
Sirius means “burning,” derived from Greek. This is the brightest star on the Canis Major constellation.
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Inspired by Literature
Geeky Names For Girls
Anna.
Even if your girl’s name is inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s classic Anna Karenina, doesn’t mean she’ll have an equivalent rollercoaster life. The name Anna is synonymous with a love for literature and being something greater than what everyone expects.
The name itself means “grace” through Hebrew origins, or “the year’s cycle” for ancient Romans.
Arya.
If you’ve read (or watched) Game of Thrones, no doubt the young, adventure-loving Arya Stark was one of your favorite characters which makes it a great nod to nerdy names.
Arya is actually a popular name in many cultures, meaning “noble one” in Sanskrit.
Jane.
There’s no better way to honor your love of books than to name your daughter after the Pride and Prejudice author Jane Austen.
The name itself means “God is gracious” through English origins, and while it’s simple and unassuming, it reminds us to never underestimate the strength of a woman.
Maya.
Another beautiful way to honor your love for the spoken word is naming your daughter after the poet Maya Angelou.
Maya is a popular girl’s name throughout the world, meaning “good mother” in Greek and “water” in Hebrew.
Scarlett.
Gone with the Wind’s whimsical and Katie Scarlett O’Hara can inspire a fun nerdy name for a fiery girl.
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Nerdy Guy Names
Alfred.
Alfred is an incredibly classic and formal name paying homage to the literary great Alfred Hitchcock.
Austen.
If you’re a book nerd parent of a boy, why not adorn him with a name after none-other than Jane Austen?
Atticus.
Atticus Finch was a beloved American character in To Kill a Mockingbird. This classic and unique nerdy name means “from Athens.”
Bloom.
Bloom is not exactly a common name, but any book nerd would get the reference to James Joyce’s Leopold Bloom of Ulysses.
Ernest.
A literature nerd may think of the name Ernest for their boy after Ernest Hemingway, but we actually think of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
Finn.
Finn and the name below are an adorably nerdy way to reminisce in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Huck.
If you’re not crazy about Finn, but still love the idea of Huckleberry Finn, Huck is a fun alternative.
Harper.
Harper – after classic novelist Harper Lee – is actually a great, nerdy, gender-neutral name. And I’m sure you can guess the meaning – “harp player.”
Samwell.
Another name inspired by Game of Thrones, Sam Tarly proves that nerds really do save the day. The name Samwell means “God heard” in Hebrew.
Ulysses.
Ulysses, like the novel, is a very heavy name to carry, but it will certainly be a conversation starter.
Wilde.
Wilde is a strong, yet nerdy name for a boy is a very cool way to express your love for classic literature.
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Inspired by Mythology
A name like Zeus or Hercules, while fantastically nerdy, is a little too on-the-nose. The names on this list are perfect for the current century and are sure to inspire curiosity of its origins.
Nerdiest Names For Girls
Athena.
Athena – the Goddess of wisdom and war – was one of Zeus’s children. (It’s also the name of Greece’s capital city.) Bearing this name is sure to give your little girls an extra boost of confidence.
Diana.
Diana is actually the Roman version of Artemis – the Goddess of the hunt, and also one of Zeus’s daughters. It’s a little more subdued than Artemis, but makes for a great story about why her parents named her Diana.
Iris.
In Greek mythology, Iris is “the rainbow” personified, who would render any God or Goddess who lied unconscious for a year.
Phoebe.
Phoebe was a Titan in Greek mythology associated with the moon. It means “bright” and is the perfect nerdy name for a girl.
Siv.
This punchy and simple name was actually donned by Thor’s wife in Norse mythology. Unironically, it means “bride.”
Zenaida.
Zenaida is popular in many cultures and means “Life of Zeus.” We bet she won’t meet another girl with this nerdy name!
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Nerdy Names For Boys
Vidar.
Vidar – whose name means warrior – was the son of Odin and Grid (a giantess) in Norse mythology. His powers were oly matched by Thor.
Vail.
Vali was a minor Norse God and the son of Odin and Rindr. His only mission was to kill Hoor.
Tyr.
Tyr was another Norse God – of war and justice. He was known for always carrying a speer with his right hand bitten off by a wolf.
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Inspired by History
Nerdy Names For Girls
Amelia.
Amelia means “work, industriousness, and fertility” through Latin and Germanic origins. It’s a lovely, nerdy name honoring the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic – Amelia Earhart.
Florence.
Florence, which means “blossoming,” is another beautiful name honoring female industriousness. Florence Nightingale, the “Mother of the Army” was the founder of modern nursing.
Joan.
If you’re a history nerd, a name like Joan – after Joan of Arc, and meaning “God is gracious” – would be perfect for your baby girl.
Margaret.
If you want to name your daughter after a strong woman, no one better than “the Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher.
The name means “pearl” and has cute alternatives like Margo and Greta if Margaret is a little too serious.
Rosa.
Want your daughter’s name to be rooted in history and taking a stand for what’s right? Name her after none-other than Rosa Parks.
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Nerdy Male Names
Gaius.
If you’re serious about a history-inspired nerdy name, we love Gaius – Julius Caesar’s first name. Gaius means “to rejoice.”
Octavian.
What’s more adorably nerdy than Octavian? Meaning “born eighth,” this is another Caesar name, born by Emperor Augustus.
Thatcher.
While not technically a first name, Thatcher’s still one of those cool yet nerdy names honoring the longest-serving British prime minister.
Winston.
Winston, an English name, has two meanings. The first is “joy” from the first half Wynn, and the second is “stone.” This name certainly carries a heavy presence.
Love him or hate him, Winston Churchill was definitely a history figure-head and a very deserving nerdy name.
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Inspired by Classic Cinema
If you’re obsessed with old Hollywood and classic films, you’ll love these nostalgic, cool, yet nerdy names.
Nerdy Names For Girls
Audrey.
Audrey, meaning “noble strength” was made famous by the British film and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn.
Brigitte.
Brigitte Bardot the French-born it-girl of her time is a wonderful inspiration for a nerdy name! The name Brigitte means “strong” through Gaelic origins, and it was also the name of the mythological goddess of fire and poetry.
Grace.
Grace, a charming name meaning “charm” and “goodness” is a perfect classic name inspired by none-other than Grace Kelly.
Greta.
Greta – a cute and nerdy diminutive of Margaret, meaning “pearl,” is an edgy name inspired by the melancholic Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo.
Ingrid.
Actress Ingrid Bergman is one of the most influential classic film stars still remembered for her role in Casablanca. Her sharp and nerdy name means “beautiful” through Scandinavian origins.
Kelly.
If you’re inspired by Princess Grace Kelly, but not crazy about the name Grace, you can always go with Kelly!
Kelly means “bright headed” and is actually derived from the Gaelic name Ó Ceallaigh meaning of Ceallach. Cool, huh?
Taylor.
Want to name your girl or boy after one of film’s most celebrated stars, but keep it modern and fun? Name him or her after Dame Elizabeth Taylor, but stick with just Taylor.
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Nerd Names For Boys
Clint.
A name like Clint is really cool, yet nostalgic and nerdy. It means “estate on a hill” and is inspired by the country-western star Clint Eastwood.
Dean.
Dean, a name that means “valley” through Anglo-Saxon origins, or “justice” through Hebrew origins is an ultra-cool nerdy name if you’re inspired by old Hollywood and bad boy James Dean.
Humphrey.
Humphrey Bogart was one of classic cinema’s biggest stars including in Casablance, and his name belongs on this nerdy names list.
The name Humphrey is a combination of two meanings: “bear cub” and “peace.”
Marlon.
Ah, Marlon Brando, the Godfather, would make an incredible nod to a love for film, and can actually be used as a gender-neutral name.The name Marlon has several meanings, including “little hawk” in Old French.
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More Dorky Male Names
These nerdy names didn’t fit into any category, but they were too great to pass up!
Archer.
If you want a nerdy name that’s still pretty badass, you really can’t go wrong with Archer.
Dexter.
There’s something obviously nerdy, yet really cool about a name like Dexter which means “right-handed” as well as “fortunate.”
Sterling.
Sterling, meaning “genuine” or “high quality” is a classic yet nerdy name.
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Nerdy Names, Star Names, and Science Names- Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this extensive list of fun, classic, punchy NERDY names and that we had you covered for geeky names and dorky names for guys and girls. Let us know which one’s our favorite!
Did you like this list of names? We know that name trends will always change, but our growing list of baby names will always have you covered!
Here are more awesome name lists: 82 Strong Boy Names Meaning Power and Strength
Nerdy Names – FAQ
What’s the most nerdy name?
The most nerdy name would have to be Humphrey. This name (that means bear cub and peace) carried a lot of weight in its time, but now belongs on the nerdiest names list.
What are nerdy names?
We really like Maxwell, Nikola, and Sagan, if you want to go with cool nerdy names inspired by science. Alfred, Samwell, and Winston are more traditional geeky boy names rooted in literature and history.
What are stereotypical nerd names?
Dexter and Sterling are some stereotypical nerd names. Dexter means “right-handed” or “fortunate’ whereas Sterling means “high quality.” While these names have a nice ring to them, you can’t deny that they fall under geek names.
What is a nerdy name for a girl?
Valentina, Ada, or Greta would make a great nerdy name for a girl. These names are simple, but rooted in women’s achievement and history.
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