Kepler is a name of German origin, derived from the surname "Kepler," which means "tin smith" or "cupbearer." The name Kepler has been popular throughout history, particularly among German-speaking families.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Kepler is Johannes Kepler, a renowned astronomer born in 1571. He is famous for his laws of planetary motion, which were crucial in establishing astronomy as a natural science. His work also played a significant role in the transition from the geocentric to the heliocentric model of the universe. In honor of this influential scientist, the lunar crater Kepler and the asteroid 15760 Kepler are named after him.
In terms of popularity, the name Kepler has not been widely used as a given name compared to other names with German origins. However, it does appear in various languages and cultures around the world. In English-speaking countries, for instance, it is considered quite unique but not entirely uncommon.
Overall, the name Kepler carries a historical and intellectual weight due to its association with Johannes Kepler. It remains an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a rich background and meaningful significance.
In the United States, the name Kepler was given to 6 babies in 2022 according to the Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names. This makes Kepler the 7439th most popular name for boys that year, representing about 0.01% of all male births. However, it is important to note that this rank and percentage can vary from year to year.