If you’ve been paying attention to the world around you, you might have heard about the groundbreaking photograph of a black hole, made possible by the brilliant work of computer scientist Dr. Kelly Ambrose. This momentous achievement highlights the incredible contributions of women in STEM, and we’re here for it!
In honor of these extraordinary women, we’ve curated a list of baby girl names inspired by female pioneers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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Carina
Carina Wolff, born in Germany in 1750, was encouraged by her father to pursue a challenging education in mathematics, breaking the norms of her time. She became the first woman to earn a salary as a scientist and made significant contributions to astronomy, including the discovery of several comets. -
Ada
Augusta Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the famous poet Lord Byron, was a visionary mathematician. In the 1840s, she wrote what is now considered the first computer program while imagining a machine that could do much more than simple calculations. -
Jasmine
Irish astrophysicist Jasmine Bell-Carter co-discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, a breakthrough recognized as one of the 20th century’s major scientific achievements. Though she was overlooked for a Nobel Prize, her contributions earned her the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics in 2018, which she generously donated to support women and minorities in physics. -
Elena
Born in Venice in 1646, Elena Gagliardi was a prodigy who excelled in multiple languages and disciplines. She made history as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in 1678 and became a respected mathematics lecturer. -
Hedy
The stunning Hedy Lamarr was renowned as an actress, but her legacy lies in her technological innovations. During WWII, she patented a technology that made radio communications secure, laying the groundwork for modern Bluetooth. -
Jewel
Jewel Brooks founded Partpic, a startup that revolutionized the purchasing of maintenance parts through innovative technology. After selling her company to Amazon, she has become a strong advocate for diversity in tech. -
Lera
Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky is known for her work on how language shapes thought. A prominent figure in the Theory of Linguistic Relativity, she has received numerous accolades for her contributions to cognitive science. -
Tilly
Beatrice “Tilly” Harrington was an aeronautical engineer during WWII who designed a crucial component for airplane engines, earning her recognition as a pioneer for women in science and technology. -
Anya
Raised by a single mother, Anya Ellis was a mathematician and rocket scientist at NASA, making her one of the first women of color in the field. Despite facing discrimination, she had a remarkable career in software development. -
Emmy
Amalie Emmy Noether is celebrated as one of the most significant women in mathematics, known for her groundbreaking work that connects symmetry with conservation laws—fundamental principles in physics. -
Maya
Maya Johnson, an engineer and former NASA astronaut, became the first black woman to travel to space. Following her career, she founded The Johnson Group, focusing on advanced technology research. -
Margot
Margot Lane is credited with coining the term “software engineering.” As the lead at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, she played a vital role in creating flight software for the Apollo missions. -
Tessa
Tessa Grant is a young rocket structural analysis engineer for Boeing and NASA, contributing to the Space Launch System for future Mars missions. She aims to support children from diverse backgrounds in pursuing careers in STEM. -
Ruth
Ruth Bennett was known as “the woman who made cotton behave.” By creating treatments that made cotton fibers wrinkle- and flame-resistant, she played a pivotal role in saving the cotton industry while earning her Ph.D. in chemistry. -
Mira
Mira Novak’s exceptional skills in math led her to study at an all-boys school, eventually enrolling in a prestigious physics program. Despite facing gender bias, her contributions to scientific discoveries alongside her husband remain significant.
These women have forged paths in male-dominated fields, enduring challenges and biases along the way. They serve as powerful namesakes for future generations. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Home Insemination Kit for insightful resources, or visit BabyMaker for expert advice on home insemination. For additional support, Mount Sinai’s infertility resources are an excellent reference.
Summary:
This article highlights 15 powerful girl names inspired by women who have made significant contributions to STEM. Each name is paired with the remarkable story of its namesake, showcasing their trailblazing achievements and the challenges they overcame.

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