Tesla is a gender-neutral name of Serbian origin, derived from the Slavic word "teslati", which means "to gather or harvest". It gained prominence in the 20th century due to its association with Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), the renowned inventor and futurist known for his contributions to electricity and magnetism.
The name Tesla has a unique and powerful sound, making it appealing to parents looking for an unusual yet memorable moniker for their child. Despite being of Serbian origin, Tesla is recognized worldwide due to Nikola Tesla's global impact on science and technology.
While Tesla is not traditionally associated with any specific saint or religious figure, its meaning and association with the famous inventor make it a fitting choice for parents seeking a name that reflects innovation, intelligence, and visionary thinking.
In terms of usage, Tesla has been used more often for boys than girls throughout history. However, as a gender-neutral name, it can be given to either sex. Its popularity varies by country but has seen an increase in recent years, particularly in English-speaking nations like the United States and Australia.
Overall, Tesla is a distinctive and meaningful name that pays homage to one of history's greatest minds while offering parents an opportunity to instill their child with a strong sense of heritage and inspiration.
The name Tesla has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past decade. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only five babies named Tesla in 2009. However, by 2016, that number had more than tripled, with 18 newborns receiving the name.
Interestingly, the number of births with the name Tesla has fluctuated over the years, but it has consistently remained above the five-mark since 2011. The highest number of Tesla babies was recorded in 2016, while the lowest was in 2009 and 2015, both at five births.
Overall, from 2009 to 2020, there were a total of 98 babies named Tesla born in the United States. This name, which is often associated with innovation and technology due to its connection with renowned inventor Nikola Tesla, seems to be appealing to parents who want to give their children unique and distinctive names. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years.