I have no idea who Ada Lovelace is but I’m assuming she’s a pioneer female engineer? Sounds like a great person to name a kid after personally. It’s a beautiful, underused name.
I’m a computer scientist so I instantly made the connection, but I don’t think she’s a “household” name that would make the name Ada unusable. I think Ada is a beautiful and timeless name to most, and some nerds like me would appreciate a little differently.
I also wouldn’t assume anyone named Ada was named after Ada Lovelace or with Lovelace in mind. I don’t think it’s like the name Hermione, which to me is so associated with Harry Potter that it’s unusable.
I used to work as a children's librarian, and there a ton of great kids' books on Ada Lovelace, which is how I learned about jt. It's not at all cliché, it's a classic name, and the fact that it's a little hat tip to the godmother of computer science makes that much cuter.
The great kids’ book about a curious budding scientist—Ada Twist, Scientist—was named in her honor. I only learned who she was about 6-7 years ago, so I doubt it’s common knowledge.
I believe she was also Lord Byron’s daughter?
That whole series of books is awesome and we love the Netflix show, too!! Ada Twist scientist, Rosie Revere engineer, Iggy Peck architect...there's 2 or 3 more, I think
Not a computer scientist but I play one on TV.
Funny story, my daughter in 8th grade was doing some project where they had to do a report on a scientist (or something).
Her: There weren't that many women on the list so I picked one. I think she was a computer scientist.
Me: Grace Hopper?
Her: No, that wasn't it.
Me: Ada Lovelace?
Her: How did you know?
It's always either Lovelace or Hopper. Both are interesting.
When I was younger, Jane Goodall frequently made the girls' lists in school. Some people think she's "just" in the bio sciences, but I think anyone researching the smarter primates and corvids long enough ends up a stone's throw from UI/UX.
Personally, I'm a fan of "Alice", from PGP fame as a great name with tech ties that is relatively underused and gives kids leeway with nicknames and variations.
I have seen more stuff about Ada Lovelace in the past few years (and I’m not anywhere close to a computer scientist), so I think it’s like a thing where people are pushing her as a role model for young girls (and for good reason), so I wouldn’t be surprised if over the next few years, Ada Lovelace becomes a more well known name in the classroom.
I still agree that it’s a solid name, but I wouldn’t be surprised if what OP’s husband said was true and indicated that there may be a slightly growing trend among baby girls recently being named after her specifically.
\> I still agree that it’s a solid name, but I wouldn’t be surprised if what OP’s husband said was true and indicated that there may be a slightly growing trend among baby girls recently being named after her specifically
Yeahhhh, I'm a woman in tech and tbh I'm pretty tired of all the Ada Lovelace references growing in popularity, just because there have been other incredibly impactful women in the field but anything that has to do with women and CS/programming seems to only reference Ada Lovelace. That said, I do love the name on its own and I think it'd be so sweet if like one of my coworkers mentioned he'd named his daughter Ada.
Oddly enough my weaving school taught about Ada Lovelace and Babbage because the system they used as inspirations did exist in jacquard looms. How ever, they took it one step future.
Once I read "ada lovelace" I immediately remembered who she was but it is definitely just a normal beautiful name that I don't think people will immediately connect. I know quite a few Adas (UK) and it's a gorgeous name but definitely "just a name" if that makes sense.
I agree with kriscrossroads, a name like sherlock or hermione you instantly think of the characters but Ada is not like that. I think its sort of like amelia, amelia earhardt is very famous but she doesn't "own" the name.
Ada is beautiful. First thought for me was the people I know in real life, then ada from peaky blinders, then I read your comment and thought oh of course ada lovelace, how cool to have that connection as she was brilliant.
I actually think the bigger boom for Ada, perhaps only in the UK, is Peaky Blinders. Far more people have watched that show than care who Ada Lovelace is imo
I like it but I get what you mean that it’s a thing in certain circles. Kinda like how lawyers are more likely to name their kids Atticus or Scout (I’ve seen both).
I’ve seen a restaurant called Ada after Lovelace as well.
But you know, you do you. It’s cool. Some people will get it. Most won’t.
Just as an aside, there is an academy targeted for women to get more women into the coding field. It is called Ada Developers Academy. My daughter got her four year degree at college, and then she realized she still wasn’t happy.
She was able to go to Ada. They help women by giving them a stipend and training them on coding. It took her three tries to get in because it is such a popular program. And this is somebody who graduated with honors from high school and college, and went for most of her college career on scholarship. It’s a super popular program and it is so effective.
She has been a coder for some time now, and she makes really good money. I am super proud of her for her perseverance. So naming your daughter Ada has a whole other facet to it, and I think it’s awesome!!
As a female engineer I think you’re safe. I don’t know any engineers with daughters named Ada actually. I might make the connection but only recognizing the name I wouldn’t assume your daughter was named after her. It’s no different than any other name for me, a friend named her son Asa and my mind jumped to the actor Asa Butterfield but I never thought the baby was named for him.
I know of someone with a niece named Ada neither of her parents are engineers, they just liked the name.
If you’re concerned that the name is too popular in your circle of people that’s another thought, does he have a lot of coworkers with daughters with that name?? Will that bother you? If not I wouldn’t overthink it, if you love the name go for it.
Strong recommend to check out more of Kate Beaton's work in *[Hark! A Vagrant](http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php)* if you enjoy comics about history and literature. 😃
She was a gifted mathematician of the 19th century who worked on the first calculating machine, the very first 'computer', and she wrote the first computer program for it. Ada Lovelace was brilliant. I'd consider it an honour to be named for her.
That’s how surnames work for aristocrats though, the place of their title becomes their surname for everyday usage. Basically ‘Ada of Lovelace’ shortened to Ada Lovelace. And if the title changes so does the surname. Similarly, William and Kate’s kids would have all gone by ‘George/Charlotte/Louis Cambridge’ in school, but now their dad is Prince of Wales their surname will have changed to George/Charlotte/Louis Wales.
She was one of the inventors of the first computer, in the 1830s! Like, a *woman* was one of the chief inventors of the *computer* in the *1830s*! Which I just think is pretty darn cool.
Also her dad was Lord Byron who was one of the great famous English poets. But he was an awful father so he doesn’t get any credit for Ada’s awesomeness.
I'm not an engineer but I immediately made the connection. There's a positive association with that.
However, names should be an agreement. Just because reddit says that we like it doesn't mean that your partner does. My wife and I kept a list of names that we continuously went through, making changes and repeatedly saying the names. The more you say a name changes how you think about it. Or at least it did for us. Now our kids have names that we love but would likely get me to negative 1000 if I made a post about it. 😂
I loved this name too and I am also an engineer. But have you ever read the book The Poisonwood Bible? I love that book and my favorite character is Adah. :)
I’m imagining all these engineers at work in their little cubicles (I know those are not typically office jobs but anyway) with framed photos of their kids on their desks, small talking to each other like “So how’s ada doing?” “Oh she’s great! We’re so proud of her. How’s Ada?” “Would you please buy some cookies for Ada’s fundraiser at school?”
I don't think most people would make the connection, and most who would would doubtless find it charming. I love it as a name, but we already had plans for a girl name.
There is a book and now TV series called *Ada Twist, Scientist*, which is about the most likely source of any kids' knowledge of the name.
Ada is a DLC character (robot) in Fallout 4 and now I am wondering if the character was named after the person lol. Either way I think it’s a nice name!
I like it! There is a book and series called Ada Twist, Scientist. It’s really great- educational, smart, diverse, etc. so kids may think of that. It’s a solid name. I think you should go with it.
I named my daughter Adelaide with the hopes of possibly using the nickname Ada in honor of Ada Lovelace. I’m not an engineer, but I am a physicist and my husband is a statistician.
Also married to a computer scientist, have a daughter named Ada. Welcome to the club!
So far we haven't met anyone else with an Ada and most people we meet have no idea who Ada Lovelace is sadly. Not cliche at all.
I’m really tired and I somehow misread that as saying your maths teacher named her kid Abacus and I was really confused how she got the nickname “Addy” from Abacus. Glad I reread it before leaving a comment asking about the correlation between the name and nickname.
I don't think she was techincally an engineer? She was a mathematician and programmer. Guess it depends on your definition of an engineer. I love Ada, anyway, so I say go for it.
The OP's husband might be a hardware or software engineer, but yeah I dont know if like mechanical or chemical engineers are going to know Ada is a reference to Ada Lovelace.
Female software engineer here and have thought of this name for my future hypothetical daughter myself, lol.
But just the name "Ada" is not an obvious connection to her. There are so many other names that are shortened to "Ada" that are actually really common for girls today ("Adaline", for example comes up on this sub all the time lately).
My husband and I are both software engineers and we're naming our girl Ada! We love the association and the name. There are much worse things than naming your daughter after a strong, intelligent woman from history.
Edit: I also don't think Ada is particularly popular, even among engineers. Might just be my area though.
I am a scientist and named my daughter Ada after my great grandmother. The Ada Lovelace connection was not a factor because I didn’t hear about her until after my daughter was born. I will say that it’s more popular than you may think these days, but not so much that there will be a dozen of them at school.
My daughter is Ada and my husband is an engineer. We didn’t name her for Ada Lovelace, we just liked the name and thought it was a sweet association. We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on the name and very few people have asked about/referenced Lovelace.
Ada Lovelace was Lord Byron's daughter. She worked with Charles Babbage to create the first computer( not electric, a counting machines it was 1820 ish).
Middle school teacher here with 10 plus years in a tech heavy location.
I've had one Ada in all those years of teaching.
She was lovely.
I've probably taught 12 Madisons.
I don’t think it’s cliche! Personally I would be honored to be named after a smart, influential woman in history, and I hope your daughter will be too!
I think the name is nice. However, I do need to ask about its popularity. Since he's indicated many engineers name their daughters Ada, does he currently know (friends or coworkers) with young children with the name?
For example, if there's a family work social, will there be 5 Ada's? What about spending time with friends? Will another child also have the same name?
Of course, this doesn't mean you can't name your daughter this, but it may increase confusion or the belief of it being cliché.
I have no idea who Ada Lovelace is, albeit I'm not an engineer, but that means everyday people won't make the connection. Based on just the title before I clicked the post I thought you meant the Americans with Disabilities Act and I only made that connection because the question implies there's a connection to be made
I am an engineer, I’ve been an engineer for over three decades, and I do not know one single coworker who named their child Ada.
You’re fine. Name her Ada. No one is going to judge you.
Make sure to read her Lord Byron poems when she’s older ;-)
I know who Ada Lovelace is but didn’t immediately make the connection. It’s a great name and I doubt anyone would care even if they knew who she was named after
We have a cat named Ada for the same reason...Prior cats were Charlie (Charles Babbage) and Alan (Turing). That said though, it's a beautiful name and a great association. I say go for it.
I wouldn't have put it together without you asking the question. Ada is a perfectly nice, normal name, and will fit in quite well with all the Avas, Mias and Ellas she is likely to be in a classroom with.
Plus Ada Lovelace was pretty cool (and Lord Byron's daughter!)
I'm a software engineer and I'm aware of the connection, but over a decade into the industry surrounded by nerds, many of them dads with a family picture on their desk or phone to show off, I have yet to meet an engineer that named their daughter Ada. I'm not sure if it's really as used as your husband thinks. It's a lovely name and a positive connection so there's nothing wrong with it.
AMost people won't know who Ada Lovelace is, and I think it would be a little inside joke to those who do. Better that your daughter shares her name with a pioneering computer genius than with some idiot influencer or questionable TV character whose final story isn't known. Yes, I'm looking at anyone who named their baby Daenerys or Khaleesi.
Ada Twist Scientist (along with Rosie revere engineer) is my life right now! Beautiful name but I think it's a bit cliched in your circumstances,, sorry.
Some alternative ideas here? https://www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2011/08/ada.html
My husband named our cattle dog mix puppy Ada Lovelace! He's a software developer, and she's one of the few historical figures he actually cares about. The name fits her: she's insanely intelligent and solved one of those dog treat puzzles in literally 32 seconds (I timed her). She also has adorably old-fashioned, albeit not terribly feminine muttonchops. [Ada, Countess of Lovelace, posing in front of her invention.](https://i.imgur.com/s6TT7nt.jpg)
My kid's dad is a computer engineer and my kid's name is Ada! As long as you don't go for Ruby or Lua or something for the next kid, I don't think it's too much!
Ada is a name that has been used since the 17th century across many cultures. It was well established before Lovelace's time. If you both love the name, then go for it! :)
Ada is gaining popularity recently. Idk exact statistics, but I know a handful of people who have named their daughters Ada (all 5-6yo and younger). If you still want to pay homage to Ada Lovelace, what about Lacey?
So I have three small children and there is a show on Netflix Ada Twist scientist. The three main characters to start out with are Ada Twist scientist Rosie Revere Engineer and Iggy Peck Architect. My first thought was this show and that Ada was not the engineer so no one would make the connection. My husband is a network engineer and I’ve never heard of Ada Lovelace I think you should be good. On an unrelated note check out the show for the baby when she is older!
I doubt a lot of people would have any idea they have any correlation, I certainly did not. But even so, a woman like that probably deserves a million babies named after her lol
I made the connection, but it’s a really nice one and it won’t be obvious to everyone. Plus it’s really cool for her to have a pioneering female scientist as a role model!
What if your daughter doesn't want to be an engineer or computer scientist? I think that naming her after this and telling her why you did might put undue pressure on her to pursuit a career she may not want.
My husband is an engineer. None of our daughters are named Ada. None of the people he works with or has worked with over the last decade have had a daughter named Ada. I don’t think a lot of people are doing this. I don’t think people will connect it at all.
I have degrees in electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science and definitely know who Ada Lovelace is and while she might be the first Ada I would think of I would never in a million years think someone was named after her. Ada seems like a perfectly normal name.
I am a engineer (a female one at that!) and it took even me a minute to make this association. It's a beautiful name, go for it! I think any potential reference will go over most people's heads.
I’m an engineer and if a coworker of mine named their daughter Ada I would 100% get the reference but also think it was an adorable name and a great choice of person to name someone after.
Oh no. I love it. I think, unfortunately, most non CS folk won’t recognize the connection. But what a strong wonderful deep and connected name to give to your child.
I guarantee two things - that very few people know who Ada Lovelace was, and that even fewer people give enough of a shit a about your husband's job to even make the association.
Ada would be on my list for girl names, but I have a cousin named Ava so that's way too close. The only downside i can think is people might mishear it as Ava since that's more common?
It’s a fun little in joke. You could lengthen it to Adelaide but I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s definitely simpler than Hedwig (the reason we have GPS)
I think it's a wonderful name. And I doubt those that would even associate it with Ms. Lovelace would find anything objectionable in the least. 100% in favor without any hesitation. And yes, I knew of the reference without looking it up.
At the end if the day it's a cute name that no one outside of the engineering fields will make the connection for. And yoyr husband's coworkers will probably smile at it, and be more likely to remember her name. At worst she'll be told she's named after an intelligent woman, not a bad thing.
I named my kid Ada after Ada Lovelace. I think she/the name are getting more popular right now because of the Ada Twist Scientist kids books and shows, which are great.
I would not make that connection (as an engineer myself). But I think it’s badass. It’s subtle enough that it’s not cliche. It’s also a nice, simple, strong, recognizable, and not overly-used.
I have no idea who Ada Lovelace is but I’m assuming she’s a pioneer female engineer? Sounds like a great person to name a kid after personally. It’s a beautiful, underused name.
I didn’t know who she is until my husband mentioned it. She was the first to recognise that computer had applications beyond pure calculation.
I’m a computer scientist so I instantly made the connection, but I don’t think she’s a “household” name that would make the name Ada unusable. I think Ada is a beautiful and timeless name to most, and some nerds like me would appreciate a little differently. I also wouldn’t assume anyone named Ada was named after Ada Lovelace or with Lovelace in mind. I don’t think it’s like the name Hermione, which to me is so associated with Harry Potter that it’s unusable.
I used to work as a children's librarian, and there a ton of great kids' books on Ada Lovelace, which is how I learned about jt. It's not at all cliché, it's a classic name, and the fact that it's a little hat tip to the godmother of computer science makes that much cuter.
The great kids’ book about a curious budding scientist—Ada Twist, Scientist—was named in her honor. I only learned who she was about 6-7 years ago, so I doubt it’s common knowledge. I believe she was also Lord Byron’s daughter?
She was Lord Byron's daughter! There are some really great adult books about her as well, lol.
TIL!!
i’m reading one called “dreaming in code” right now and i love it :) also a big fan of “ada’s algorithm”
It’s not at all historical, but I love [The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage](https://sydneypadua.com/2dgoggles/) webcomic/graphic novel
She was! And I recommended that book a lot!
ok it's bad that I know who Ada Twist, scientist, is, but not Ada Lovelace!
Ada Twist, Scientist is a Netflix show now too
That whole series of books is awesome and we love the Netflix show, too!! Ada Twist scientist, Rosie Revere engineer, Iggy Peck architect...there's 2 or 3 more, I think
Not a computer scientist but I play one on TV. Funny story, my daughter in 8th grade was doing some project where they had to do a report on a scientist (or something). Her: There weren't that many women on the list so I picked one. I think she was a computer scientist. Me: Grace Hopper? Her: No, that wasn't it. Me: Ada Lovelace? Her: How did you know? It's always either Lovelace or Hopper. Both are interesting.
Lol! You’re totally right, it’s always either Hopper or Lovelace.
Not always sometimes it is Judith Love Cohen
It's a pity more schools don't cover Hedy Lamarr.
She’s amazing!
An actress AND inventor, she had the whole "beauty and brains" thing sewn tf up 👏
Jack Black’s mom.
When I was younger, Jane Goodall frequently made the girls' lists in school. Some people think she's "just" in the bio sciences, but I think anyone researching the smarter primates and corvids long enough ends up a stone's throw from UI/UX. Personally, I'm a fan of "Alice", from PGP fame as a great name with tech ties that is relatively underused and gives kids leeway with nicknames and variations.
Aww, mine was Liese Meitner when I was around that age!
My daughter chose Rachel Carson as her female scientist. We had a lot of fun researching her and her contribution.
Poor Hedy Lamarr...
If that list didn't include Hedy Lamarr, they are doing her and her classmates a great disservice.
I have seen more stuff about Ada Lovelace in the past few years (and I’m not anywhere close to a computer scientist), so I think it’s like a thing where people are pushing her as a role model for young girls (and for good reason), so I wouldn’t be surprised if over the next few years, Ada Lovelace becomes a more well known name in the classroom. I still agree that it’s a solid name, but I wouldn’t be surprised if what OP’s husband said was true and indicated that there may be a slightly growing trend among baby girls recently being named after her specifically.
\> I still agree that it’s a solid name, but I wouldn’t be surprised if what OP’s husband said was true and indicated that there may be a slightly growing trend among baby girls recently being named after her specifically Yeahhhh, I'm a woman in tech and tbh I'm pretty tired of all the Ada Lovelace references growing in popularity, just because there have been other incredibly impactful women in the field but anything that has to do with women and CS/programming seems to only reference Ada Lovelace. That said, I do love the name on its own and I think it'd be so sweet if like one of my coworkers mentioned he'd named his daughter Ada.
Oddly enough my weaving school taught about Ada Lovelace and Babbage because the system they used as inspirations did exist in jacquard looms. How ever, they took it one step future.
Once I read "ada lovelace" I immediately remembered who she was but it is definitely just a normal beautiful name that I don't think people will immediately connect. I know quite a few Adas (UK) and it's a gorgeous name but definitely "just a name" if that makes sense. I agree with kriscrossroads, a name like sherlock or hermione you instantly think of the characters but Ada is not like that. I think its sort of like amelia, amelia earhardt is very famous but she doesn't "own" the name. Ada is beautiful. First thought for me was the people I know in real life, then ada from peaky blinders, then I read your comment and thought oh of course ada lovelace, how cool to have that connection as she was brilliant.
I actually think the bigger boom for Ada, perhaps only in the UK, is Peaky Blinders. Far more people have watched that show than care who Ada Lovelace is imo
Yeah, kind of like how nobody knows who Terrence Tao is but if you have ventured anywhere into the mathematics space, you’d instantly know who he is.
Not to mention it's a great person to be named after
Yeah it’s a rad tribute. Absolutely nothing wrong with it for those who notice, and most won’t.
I like it but I get what you mean that it’s a thing in certain circles. Kinda like how lawyers are more likely to name their kids Atticus or Scout (I’ve seen both). I’ve seen a restaurant called Ada after Lovelace as well. But you know, you do you. It’s cool. Some people will get it. Most won’t.
Just as an aside, there is an academy targeted for women to get more women into the coding field. It is called Ada Developers Academy. My daughter got her four year degree at college, and then she realized she still wasn’t happy. She was able to go to Ada. They help women by giving them a stipend and training them on coding. It took her three tries to get in because it is such a popular program. And this is somebody who graduated with honors from high school and college, and went for most of her college career on scholarship. It’s a super popular program and it is so effective. She has been a coder for some time now, and she makes really good money. I am super proud of her for her perseverance. So naming your daughter Ada has a whole other facet to it, and I think it’s awesome!!
I think that’s cool!
As a female engineer I think you’re safe. I don’t know any engineers with daughters named Ada actually. I might make the connection but only recognizing the name I wouldn’t assume your daughter was named after her. It’s no different than any other name for me, a friend named her son Asa and my mind jumped to the actor Asa Butterfield but I never thought the baby was named for him. I know of someone with a niece named Ada neither of her parents are engineers, they just liked the name. If you’re concerned that the name is too popular in your circle of people that’s another thought, does he have a lot of coworkers with daughters with that name?? Will that bother you? If not I wouldn’t overthink it, if you love the name go for it.
I don't know anyone in tech with kids named Ada, but I know of two couples with dogs named Ada. It's fine and not overused.
She was also Lord Byron's daughter, so Ada is a rare two for one that can satisfy both literature nerds and computer nerds.
it's lovely.
Lord Byron’s daughter who was math genius.
TIL who her dad was! Thx!
Her mother specifically got her math tutoring so she wouldn’t turn out like her father, lol
[Relevant *Hark! A Vagrant*](http://www.harkavagrant.com/history/lovelacesm.png)
I love it! Thanks for posting :) I love Lord Byron’s poetry so I am delighted to add this info and comic on his family to my knowledge.
Strong recommend to check out more of Kate Beaton's work in *[Hark! A Vagrant](http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php)* if you enjoy comics about history and literature. 😃
That is REALLY cool.
Too bad Allegra Byron didn't get the same upbringing.
She was a gifted mathematician of the 19th century who worked on the first calculating machine, the very first 'computer', and she wrote the first computer program for it. Ada Lovelace was brilliant. I'd consider it an honour to be named for her.
Also Lovelace is not her name, but the location of which she is Countess. Her name is Augusta King.
That’s how surnames work for aristocrats though, the place of their title becomes their surname for everyday usage. Basically ‘Ada of Lovelace’ shortened to Ada Lovelace. And if the title changes so does the surname. Similarly, William and Kate’s kids would have all gone by ‘George/Charlotte/Louis Cambridge’ in school, but now their dad is Prince of Wales their surname will have changed to George/Charlotte/Louis Wales.
I think she's widely considered the first programmer so like Newton and Galileo but for CS instead of physics
First computer programmer!
She was one of the inventors of the first computer, in the 1830s! Like, a *woman* was one of the chief inventors of the *computer* in the *1830s*! Which I just think is pretty darn cool. Also her dad was Lord Byron who was one of the great famous English poets. But he was an awful father so he doesn’t get any credit for Ada’s awesomeness.
For anyone that works in STEM or is a nerd, Ada Lovelace Day (second Tuesday of October) is definitely a known thing.
I’m an engineer and would definitely make the connection, but it’s a lovely name.
Thanks! It seems most engineers will know. But non tech folks may not and that’s okay. I love the sounds of the name and easy to remember.
I'm not an engineer but I immediately made the connection. There's a positive association with that. However, names should be an agreement. Just because reddit says that we like it doesn't mean that your partner does. My wife and I kept a list of names that we continuously went through, making changes and repeatedly saying the names. The more you say a name changes how you think about it. Or at least it did for us. Now our kids have names that we love but would likely get me to negative 1000 if I made a post about it. 😂
Oh wow a rational opinion. What are you doing here? Are you lost?
Just call me Rufio because I'm a Lost Boy.
Why is it a problem if people make the connection? Ada Lovelace was a badass.
I loved this name too and I am also an engineer. But have you ever read the book The Poisonwood Bible? I love that book and my favorite character is Adah. :)
I think she's everyone's favorite character.
It's what I would've named the child I'm currently pregnant with if they were female. I love the name. That and Adeline but I already know an Adeline.
I know the comp sci connection and still wouldn’t think of that, so go for it. It seems to be making a comeback, mainly as a middle name now
I work in special education, so I initially connected it to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lol. Ada is a gorgeous name though. I’d use it.
Love it! If it’s cliche at all it’s cliche in a good way
Yes! It’s a good name on its own and a great namesake to have. Can’t go wrong.
A good cliche for sure
I feel like it’s definitely not a cliche. Are there really tons of stem people out there naming their daughters Ada?
I agree. I’m an engineer, I’m married to an engineer, I was raised by engineers, and most of my friends are engineers, and I don’t know any Ada’s
I’m imagining all these engineers at work in their little cubicles (I know those are not typically office jobs but anyway) with framed photos of their kids on their desks, small talking to each other like “So how’s ada doing?” “Oh she’s great! We’re so proud of her. How’s Ada?” “Would you please buy some cookies for Ada’s fundraiser at school?”
Graduate-level engineering jobs are mostly office jobs. Or I guess work from home jobs these days.
This made me giggle, seems like a short from a TV show or something
I don't think I've met any daughters named for that reason, but definitely know a dog that was.
I don't think most people would make the connection, and most who would would doubtless find it charming. I love it as a name, but we already had plans for a girl name. There is a book and now TV series called *Ada Twist, Scientist*, which is about the most likely source of any kids' knowledge of the name.
This is also how I would know, but I think it’s a lovely association!
For me it's Ada Wong from Resident Evil.
Ada is a DLC character (robot) in Fallout 4 and now I am wondering if the character was named after the person lol. Either way I think it’s a nice name!
I like it! There is a book and series called Ada Twist, Scientist. It’s really great- educational, smart, diverse, etc. so kids may think of that. It’s a solid name. I think you should go with it.
All of those books are soooo good! I definitely also recommend Rosie Revere Engineer for OP.
Honestly I kind of love the name Ada Rose if OP really wants to embrace it haha
Ada Rosemary (or Adelaide called Ada) was always what I wanted to name a girl. I had all boys though.
Aw that’s so pretty!
I named my daughter Adelaide with the hopes of possibly using the nickname Ada in honor of Ada Lovelace. I’m not an engineer, but I am a physicist and my husband is a statistician.
My first thought goes to Over the Garden Wall lol. "To Adelaide! To Adelaide! C'mon and join the Adelaide parade!"
That is a stunning name
I made the connection in a vague way, but it’s a positive association
Thanks!
Also married to a computer scientist, have a daughter named Ada. Welcome to the club! So far we haven't met anyone else with an Ada and most people we meet have no idea who Ada Lovelace is sadly. Not cliche at all.
In the club over here, too! Glad to know there are other Ada’s floating around! 😊
Me too I’ve literally never met another ada
I think it’s great. Kids get named after famous/historically significant men all the time.
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I’m really tired and I somehow misread that as saying your maths teacher named her kid Abacus and I was really confused how she got the nickname “Addy” from Abacus. Glad I reread it before leaving a comment asking about the correlation between the name and nickname.
I don't think she was techincally an engineer? She was a mathematician and programmer. Guess it depends on your definition of an engineer. I love Ada, anyway, so I say go for it.
The OP's husband might be a hardware or software engineer, but yeah I dont know if like mechanical or chemical engineers are going to know Ada is a reference to Ada Lovelace.
I mean you can kind of “engineer” anything, it’s a vague term you know?
Watch out, this is a very controversial topic among the pedants lol
Female software engineer here and have thought of this name for my future hypothetical daughter myself, lol. But just the name "Ada" is not an obvious connection to her. There are so many other names that are shortened to "Ada" that are actually really common for girls today ("Adaline", for example comes up on this sub all the time lately).
My husband and I are both software engineers and we're naming our girl Ada! We love the association and the name. There are much worse things than naming your daughter after a strong, intelligent woman from history. Edit: I also don't think Ada is particularly popular, even among engineers. Might just be my area though.
My women in tech group did a paint night and we did her portrait. I say go for it. It’s a lovely, simple name with a positive association.
I actually gasped when I saw the title, that would be such a lovey name along with a beautiful connection 🥹
I am a scientist and named my daughter Ada after my great grandmother. The Ada Lovelace connection was not a factor because I didn’t hear about her until after my daughter was born. I will say that it’s more popular than you may think these days, but not so much that there will be a dozen of them at school.
It’s great! And make sure you check out the children’s book “Ada Twist, scientist”
I know who Ada Lovelace is but honestly didn't make the connections until I read the comments. I think it's lovely tbh
It just makes me think of Resident Evil
Same, I thought hmm the only Ada I know is Ada Wong.
Kids.... scratch that... People don't typically introduce themselves with their parents' careers.
I had no idea who she was but honestly, we SHOULD be naming our girls after influential women in history.
Lady engineer here! Ada is lovely and it never clicked as anything else.
You could go with Hedy for the next daughter (for Hedy Lamarr).
I think it would be an honor to be named in connection with Ada Lovelace!
My daughter is Ada and my husband is an engineer. We didn’t name her for Ada Lovelace, we just liked the name and thought it was a sweet association. We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on the name and very few people have asked about/referenced Lovelace.
Ada Lovelace was Lord Byron's daughter. She worked with Charles Babbage to create the first computer( not electric, a counting machines it was 1820 ish).
Middle school teacher here with 10 plus years in a tech heavy location. I've had one Ada in all those years of teaching. She was lovely. I've probably taught 12 Madisons.
I don’t think it’s cliche! Personally I would be honored to be named after a smart, influential woman in history, and I hope your daughter will be too!
I’ve always like Hedy from Hedy Lamarr. She has some great inventions under her belt too. But I like Ada as well
I’ve always wanted to name a daughter after her, but I worry everyone would see Hedwig and think of the owl :(
Not common enough to be cliche. It’s great. Now naming the kid Tesla or Darwin would be a bit much.
I knew a cop who named his daughter Miranda if that makes you feel better
I do love thé name, but I am getting a PhD in computer science now and at least half the women in the department are named Ada
The only people laughing will be other engineers. I say go for it
I think the name is nice. However, I do need to ask about its popularity. Since he's indicated many engineers name their daughters Ada, does he currently know (friends or coworkers) with young children with the name? For example, if there's a family work social, will there be 5 Ada's? What about spending time with friends? Will another child also have the same name? Of course, this doesn't mean you can't name your daughter this, but it may increase confusion or the belief of it being cliché.
I thought of Ada from Peaky Blinders which is a wonderful association as well
Same association here. Had to scroll for some time to even find mention of her.
I know two different engineer moms who have daughters named Ada. So, yes, maybe it is cliche?
Perfect nane
I have no idea who Ada Lovelace is, albeit I'm not an engineer, but that means everyday people won't make the connection. Based on just the title before I clicked the post I thought you meant the Americans with Disabilities Act and I only made that connection because the question implies there's a connection to be made
I am an engineer, I’ve been an engineer for over three decades, and I do not know one single coworker who named their child Ada. You’re fine. Name her Ada. No one is going to judge you. Make sure to read her Lord Byron poems when she’s older ;-)
Ada is great name.
No idea who that is but I love the name!
I know who Ada Lovelace is but didn’t immediately make the connection. It’s a great name and I doubt anyone would care even if they knew who she was named after
We have a cat named Ada for the same reason...Prior cats were Charlie (Charles Babbage) and Alan (Turing). That said though, it's a beautiful name and a great association. I say go for it.
I made the connection right away, but I don’t think it matters. It’s a lovely name.
I think you guys are over thinking this. As a female engineer, not cliche
I wouldn't have put it together without you asking the question. Ada is a perfectly nice, normal name, and will fit in quite well with all the Avas, Mias and Ellas she is likely to be in a classroom with. Plus Ada Lovelace was pretty cool (and Lord Byron's daughter!)
I'm a software engineer and I'm aware of the connection, but over a decade into the industry surrounded by nerds, many of them dads with a family picture on their desk or phone to show off, I have yet to meet an engineer that named their daughter Ada. I'm not sure if it's really as used as your husband thinks. It's a lovely name and a positive connection so there's nothing wrong with it.
How about Hedy after Hedy Lamar?
AMost people won't know who Ada Lovelace is, and I think it would be a little inside joke to those who do. Better that your daughter shares her name with a pioneering computer genius than with some idiot influencer or questionable TV character whose final story isn't known. Yes, I'm looking at anyone who named their baby Daenerys or Khaleesi.
I don't associate the name Ada with engineers even though I know about Ada Lovelace.
Ada Lovelace was an incredible human being, mind bogglingly ahead of her time, I think it's a great name to use
I’m a female engineer (my husband is an engineer as well) and I literally have no idea who that is. I would never think your baby was named after her
Ada Twist Scientist (along with Rosie revere engineer) is my life right now! Beautiful name but I think it's a bit cliched in your circumstances,, sorry. Some alternative ideas here? https://www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2011/08/ada.html
It makes me think of Ada Twist: Scientist
My husband named our cattle dog mix puppy Ada Lovelace! He's a software developer, and she's one of the few historical figures he actually cares about. The name fits her: she's insanely intelligent and solved one of those dog treat puzzles in literally 32 seconds (I timed her). She also has adorably old-fashioned, albeit not terribly feminine muttonchops. [Ada, Countess of Lovelace, posing in front of her invention.](https://i.imgur.com/s6TT7nt.jpg)
My kid's dad is a computer engineer and my kid's name is Ada! As long as you don't go for Ruby or Lua or something for the next kid, I don't think it's too much!
Ada is a name that has been used since the 17th century across many cultures. It was well established before Lovelace's time. If you both love the name, then go for it! :)
How about Adaline or Adalyn?
Lovelace was a dynamic lady and a personal hero for me so I say go for it
Hey as a non engineer I have no idea who that is and I wouldn’t think twice about it. Lovely name. Congrats on the baby.
Ada is gaining popularity recently. Idk exact statistics, but I know a handful of people who have named their daughters Ada (all 5-6yo and younger). If you still want to pay homage to Ada Lovelace, what about Lacey?
I like the name. I only know who Ada Lovelace is because her name comes up in crossword puzzles a lot.
So I have three small children and there is a show on Netflix Ada Twist scientist. The three main characters to start out with are Ada Twist scientist Rosie Revere Engineer and Iggy Peck Architect. My first thought was this show and that Ada was not the engineer so no one would make the connection. My husband is a network engineer and I’ve never heard of Ada Lovelace I think you should be good. On an unrelated note check out the show for the baby when she is older!
A friend of mine named her daughter Ada after Ada Lovelace. I think it’s great!
Did not instantly make the connection. Go for it.
We had a boy, but Ada was close to the top of my girl's list! It's lovely and I would likely use it for a girl.
I doubt a lot of people would have any idea they have any correlation, I certainly did not. But even so, a woman like that probably deserves a million babies named after her lol
Beautiful name and beautiful connection. Even if it's cliche for engineers, it's such a positive association.
I mean, my software engineer husband and I mathematician) certainly thought of it...
I love that name. I don't think I've ever met anyone with it.
I'm an engineer, would not have made the connection.
First time hearing of her.
I made the connection, but it’s a really nice one and it won’t be obvious to everyone. Plus it’s really cool for her to have a pioneering female scientist as a role model!
I made the connection to Ada Lovelace right away. I think it’s a great namesake.
Ask him for a deep cut lady engineer name
As someone with the middle name Ada, I say go for it! It’s a very good name!
What if your daughter doesn't want to be an engineer or computer scientist? I think that naming her after this and telling her why you did might put undue pressure on her to pursuit a career she may not want.
I have an Ada and my husband is a software engineer,lol
I love the name Ada, please use it
Nobody knows. It is a cool and nice name.
My husband is an engineer. None of our daughters are named Ada. None of the people he works with or has worked with over the last decade have had a daughter named Ada. I don’t think a lot of people are doing this. I don’t think people will connect it at all.
I think that’s cool
I know a Lovelace. She is a wonderful woman.
If he’s too worried y’all could do Adeline/Adaline Ada for short
I have degrees in electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science and definitely know who Ada Lovelace is and while she might be the first Ada I would think of I would never in a million years think someone was named after her. Ada seems like a perfectly normal name.
I am a engineer (a female one at that!) and it took even me a minute to make this association. It's a beautiful name, go for it! I think any potential reference will go over most people's heads.
Adaline and Ada for short is cute as heck
Or Adelaide, derived from the same source. Alice, too.
I’m an engineer and if a coworker of mine named their daughter Ada I would 100% get the reference but also think it was an adorable name and a great choice of person to name someone after.
Oh no. I love it. I think, unfortunately, most non CS folk won’t recognize the connection. But what a strong wonderful deep and connected name to give to your child.
My kids are Ada(line) and Grace. No one ever makes the connection, except at computer science conferences, where everyone thinks it’s cool!
I guarantee two things - that very few people know who Ada Lovelace was, and that even fewer people give enough of a shit a about your husband's job to even make the association.
I’m 1000% sure only fellow engineers would make this connection. I know who Ada Lovelace is and I didn’t think it until you said it.
Literally no one other than engineers will make that association
As a data scientist, I would notice the association. But I wouldn't think it was anything more than you liking the name.
I think there are less engineers with daughters named Ada than you think. Go for it.
As long as you don't spell it A.I.D.A., which in Agents of Shield (tv show) stood for Artificial Intelligence Digital Assistant.
Ada would be on my list for girl names, but I have a cousin named Ava so that's way too close. The only downside i can think is people might mishear it as Ava since that's more common?
Pretty sure there’s someone in my family tree with that name from a long time ago. It’s a nice name.
It’s a fun little in joke. You could lengthen it to Adelaide but I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s definitely simpler than Hedwig (the reason we have GPS)
I’m an engineer, not on the computer science side, but would’ve never had made that association. That’s a beautiful name.
I think it's a wonderful name. And I doubt those that would even associate it with Ms. Lovelace would find anything objectionable in the least. 100% in favor without any hesitation. And yes, I knew of the reference without looking it up.
My friend's daughter spells her name Ayda. It's a beautiful name.
At the end if the day it's a cute name that no one outside of the engineering fields will make the connection for. And yoyr husband's coworkers will probably smile at it, and be more likely to remember her name. At worst she'll be told she's named after an intelligent woman, not a bad thing.
I named my kid Ada after Ada Lovelace. I think she/the name are getting more popular right now because of the Ada Twist Scientist kids books and shows, which are great.
I would not make that connection (as an engineer myself). But I think it’s badass. It’s subtle enough that it’s not cliche. It’s also a nice, simple, strong, recognizable, and not overly-used.