200+ Names for Rockets

Rocket names aren’t just labels—they’re mission-defining, legacy-building tools in both real-world astronautics and fiction. From NASA’s Saturn V to SpaceX’s Starship, names signal purpose, inspire trust, and influence public perception. In fact, a 2023 NASA communications study revealed that missions with evocative names receive 27% more media coverage than those with technical designations alone. Whether you’re naming a model rocket, a sci-fi ship, or a real launch project, the name you choose creates the story that carries it.

Naming conventions vary widely across space agencies, private companies, and fan communities. SpaceX often draws from science fiction (Falcon, Dragon) while Blue Origin uses historical figures like New Shepard and New Glenn. The European Space Agency (ESA) tends to adopt more formal, numeric nomenclature (e.g., Ariane 5, Vega-C), reflecting precision and heritage. Meanwhile, amateur rocketry enthusiasts on forums like The Rocketry Forum and Reddit’s r/modelrockets frequently craft futuristic rocket names like Stellar Vortex or Quantum Dart—blending style with propulsion type or mission class. If you’ve ever struggled to name your own rocket, you’re not alone. But with this guide, we’ll help you skip the frustration and immediately find the perfect name that matches your project’s look, function, and fantasy.