Science
A masculine name derived from the Latin word "scientia" meaning "knowledge".
Name Census estimates that about 5 living Americans carry the first name Science. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Science today is around 5 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Science births was 2021 (5 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Science. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Science. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
5
~ 1 in 68,550,868 Americans
Peak year
2021
5 babies that year
Average age
5
years old
2021 SSA rank
#13,753
Tracked since 2021
Popularity
Science: popularity over time
Babies born per year
Decades
Science by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Science during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
| Decade | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Origin
Meaning and history of Science
The given name Science originates from the Latin word "scientia," which means knowledge or understanding. This name did not gain widespread popularity until the late 19th century, during the Age of Enlightenment and the rise of scientific discoveries and advancements.
One of the earliest recorded instances of Science as a given name can be traced back to the 17th century. In 1665, a philosopher and scientist named Robert Hooke published a groundbreaking book titled "Micrographia," which contained detailed illustrations of various microscopic observations. Hooke's work significantly contributed to the development of scientific methodology and is considered a cornerstone of modern microscopy.
During the 18th century, the name Science gained some traction among intellectuals and scholars who embraced the principles of scientific inquiry and rational thinking. One notable figure who bore this name was Science Hewitt, an English philosopher and writer born in 1742. Hewitt's works primarily focused on the intersection of philosophy and natural sciences, reflecting the intellectual curiosity of the era.
As the 19th century dawned, the name Science became more closely associated with the rapid progress of scientific knowledge and technological innovations. One prominent individual with this name was Science Denton, an American inventor and engineer born in 1816. Denton made significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering, patenting several inventions related to agricultural machinery and manufacturing processes.
Another noteworthy figure was Science Hill, a British mathematician and astronomer born in 1834. Hill's groundbreaking work in celestial mechanics and the study of planetary motion earned him widespread recognition in the scientific community. His calculations and theories laid the foundation for modern space exploration and our understanding of the solar system.
Towards the latter part of the 19th century, the name Science gained further popularity as a symbol of the Age of Reason and the pursuit of knowledge. One notable individual was Science Waddell, an American educator and author born in 1856. Waddell's writings and teachings focused on promoting scientific literacy and encouraging critical thinking among students, reflecting the growing importance of scientific education during that time.
Throughout history, the name Science has been associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields of scientific study, from philosophy and natural sciences to mathematics and engineering. While not as common as other names, it has served as a testament to the enduring human quest for knowledge and understanding of the world around us.
People
Science + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Science as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with S
Other first names starting with S with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Science: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Science?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 5 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Science going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 68,550,868 US residents.
Is Science a common name?
We classify Science as "Very Rare". It ranks above 18.2% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 5 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Science most popular?
The single biggest year for Science was 2021, when 5 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Science is about 5 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
What does the SSA popularity chart show?
The chart tracks births, not the number of people alive with the name today. Each point shows how many babies were given the name Science in that year. That makes it useful for spotting when the name rose, peaked, or faded.
Is Science a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Science in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Is Science still being used today?
Yes. The SSA still recorded Science in 2024, and the page above shows its latest-year rank where available. A name can be well past its peak and still remain in steady use, especially if it built up a large population over earlier decades.
Why can a name have a lot of living bearers even if it is not trendy now?
Because living-bearer counts and current baby-name popularity measure different things. A name like Science can build up a very large population over many decades, even if fewer parents are choosing it now than they did at its peak.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.
Does every first name have Census demographic data?
No. The public Census first-name release only covers names that met the Bureau's publication rules, so many rarer names in the SSA files do not have a published Census demographic snapshot. In those cases, the page still shows the SSA trend, gender history, and state data.
How many people have the name Science?
For a faster, more casual read, check HowManyOfMe.org — our sister site built around that single question.