Computer Names
A great computer name turns a machine into a personality.
Famous Computer Names That Nailed It
Real-world names that became iconic. Here's what makes them work.
Simple, evocative name that became iconic in AI history.
Proof that a name plus a number can become unforgettable.
Literary reference that perfectly suits a computing machine.
Tips for Choosing Computer Names
Keep hostnames under 15 characters and avoid spaces for network compatibility.
Themed naming systems (planets, Greek gods, authors) make managing multiple devices easy.
Avoid names that include your real name or location for basic security hygiene.
Funny names make tech support calls more memorable — 'The problem is with Potato.'
For work environments, consistent naming conventions matter more than creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with minor technical limits. Hostnames work best with letters, numbers, and hyphens — no spaces or special characters. Display names on Windows and Mac can include spaces and emoji, but network names should stay simple.
Popular themes include mythology (Zeus, Athena, Thor), space (Nebula, Cosmos, Pulsar), literature (Gandalf, Hobbit, Atticus), scientists (Curie, Turing, Newton), and colors or gemstones.
It works for a personal machine but can be confusing in shared environments. Using your name also reveals personal info on shared networks, so consider a nickname or alias instead.
Gaming PCs tend toward powerful, aggressive names: Titan, Ragnarok, Nemesis, Warlord, Doomforge. References to favorite games are also popular — naming your rig after a character or location you love.
On Windows: Settings > System > About > Rename this PC. On Mac: System Preferences > Sharing > Computer Name. On Linux: edit /etc/hostname and /etc/hosts, then reboot.
How to Choose a Great Computer Name
Pick a Theme That Fits Your Personality
Keep It Network-Friendly
Use Numbered Series for Fleets
Draw From Literature and Pop Culture
Test It Out Loud
Related Categories
Curious about what names mean? Explore Name Meanings →