What does Tesla mean and where does it come from?
The name Tesla has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the United States, largely due to the influence of the electric car company Tesla, Inc., founded by Elon Musk. The name has Serbian origins, as Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor and electrical engineer, was of Serbian descent. The n
Cultural significance
Tesla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the tesla family, associated with the inventor nikola tesla..
Peak popularity
Reached #1206 in 1992 — currently #8438 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tesla?
Tesla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tesla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tesla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tesla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tesla Claire
French influence · crisp
Tesla Jane
Literary · strong
Tesla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tesla right now?
Falling — down 1999 spots — currently #8438 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8438 | 13 | ▼ down 1999 · -32% births |
| 2022 | #6439 | 19 | ▼ down 1732 · -34% births |
| 2021 | #4707 | 29 | ▼ down 1477 · -40% births |
| 2020 | #3230 | 48 | ▼ down 1828 · -71% births |
| 2015 | #1402 | 167 | ▲ up 1524 · +183% births |
| 2010 | #2926 | 59 | ▲ up 1864 · +111% births |
| 2005 | #4790 | 28 | ▼ down 1145 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #3645 | 36 | ▼ down 2050 · -62% births |
| 1995 | #1595 | 95 | ▼ down 130 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #1465 | 107 | ▲ up 11019 · +2040% births |
| 1985 | #12484 | 5 | — |
The story of Tesla
Tesla is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 2,616 total births recorded, Tesla remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12484 in 1985 to #8438 in 2023. Tesla is used for both genders: 96% female and 4% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tesla in 1992:
Tesla by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 60 | |
| 1990s | 943 | |
| 2000s | 362 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,197 | |
| 2020s | 54 | |
💎With 2,616 total births, Tesla is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tesla?
What names sound and feel like Tesla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tesla also consider these
Common questions about the name Tesla
What does the name Tesla mean?
Tesla means "of the Tesla family, associated with the inventor Nikola Tesla." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Tesla?
Tesla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Tesla?
Tesla originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Tesla?
Tesla is a two-syllable name pronounced T EH1 S L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tesla a common or rare name?
Tesla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.