Named in honour of the pioneering French computer scientist, this new machine is set to push the boundaries of high-performance computing (HPC) in Europe.  

But beyond the technological prowess, what’s in a name? The names of EuroHPC supercomputers are not arbitrary; they often carry rich histories and meanings, reflecting geographical significance, cultural and mythological references, historical figures, or strong values. 

 

The Significance of Naming Supercomputers 

Why do we name supercomputers? The practice of naming these formidable machines serves several purposes. In the naval community, it is believed that the name of a ship can bring good fortune and safety. Similarly, in the HPC community, naming supercomputers can reflect the aspirations and values associated with the machine. Names make these complex systems more relatable and memorable, providing a narrative that a series of numbers or technical specifications cannot convey. 

Local Inspirations 

Several of the EuroHPC systems are named for geographical references. LUMI, the name of the most powerful EuroHPC supercomputer, is an acronym for Large Unified Modern Infrastructure, but also means "snow" in Finnish. This dual meaning nods to the supercomputer’s location in Northern Finland, and the Northern European countries which make up the LUMI consortium, symbolising the unity and collaborative spirit in pushing the boundaries of HPC. The name LUMI also calls up the colder climate of Kajaani, where LUMI is located, which contributes to the natural cooling of the machine, contributing to LUMI’s eco-friendly attributes.  

MareNostrum 5 is the fifth supercomputer to be named “MareNostrum”. Continuing the legacy of its predecessors at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, it draws its name from the Latin name for the Mediterranean Sea, “Our Sea”, on the coast of which sits the city of Barcelona. This name signifies not only the computer’s location but also evokes the continuity and progress in supercomputing. The first MareNostrum supercomputer was built in 2004, and each subsequent version built over the last 20 years has marked significant advancements in technology, with MareNostrum 5 being 10,000 times more powerful than the original.  

Karolina, located in Ostrava, Czechia, reflects the strong mining tradition and industrial history of the Moravian-Silesian Region. The name Karolina was selected by a jury following a public competition which saw 5,114 submissions by more than 2,000 participants, continuing the tradition of naming supercomputers at the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center through public engagement. The name Karolina refers to one of the Ostrava-Karviná mines, named by Salomon Rothschild after his wife, Karoline. The Karolina plant stood in the centre of Ostrava until the 1980s and is closely linked to the history of Ostrava. This connection to local heritage ensures that the supercomputer is not just a marvel of modern technology but also a tribute to the region’s past. 

Names from Folklore and Mythology  

Mythology, with its many strong characters and fantastical legends, is a strong source of inspiration for the names of supercomputers, particularly as often such stories and characters bring with them a moral, or a reminder of values to strive for and emulate.  

Jupiter, the first European exascale supercomputer, hosted at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre in Germany, refers to the Roman god of the sky and thunder, as well as the largest planet in our Solar System. This name not only summons to mind the vastness of space but also underscores the mighty power of exascale computing and the immense array of applications which will use the system.  

Jupiter, much like MareNostrum 5, also continues a local tradition of its hosting entity: each supercomputer at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre is given a name that starts with “JU”. In the case of JUPITER, the name stands for "Joint Undertaking Pioneer for Innovative and Transformative Exascale Research”, so not only does it match the pattern of JSC supercomputers, but the name also nods to the involvement of the EuroHPC JU.  

The supercomputers Daedalus and Deucalion draw their names from Greek mythology. Daedalus, known for his wisdom and craftsmanship as the skilful architect responsible for the Labyrinth of Crete, and Deucalion, who survived the great flood sent by Zeus, thus associated with survival and renewal, represent the ingenuity and adaptability ingrained in these powerful machines. 

Discoverer, located in Bulgaria, embodies the mission to explore new horizons and foster scientific and business development. The name signifies a commitment to innovation and discovery, driving advancements in technology, materials, and medicine that can improve lives and boost industries. 

Luxembourg's MeluXina is named after Melusina, a legendary mermaid linked to the foundation of Luxembourg City. The tale begins with Count Siegfried, who met and fell in love with a beautiful woman named Melusina. They married with one unusual condition: Siegfried was never to disturb her privacy on Saturdays. For years, Siegfried honoured this promise, but curiosity and jealousy eventually got the better of him.  

One fateful Saturday, Siegfried secretly observed Melusina taking a bath and discovered her secret: from the waist down, she was a mermaid. Upon realising she was being watched, Melusina vanished into the depths of the river Alzette, which runs through Luxembourg City, never to be seen again by Siegfried.  

MeluXina’s fairytale namesake represents a strong link to its host country, while also nodding to the water-cooling technology employed in the supercomputer, a delightful link between myth and modern engineering. 

Honouring Pioneers and Visionaries 

Named for Jurij Bartolomej Vega, Slovenia’s greatest mathematician, Vega stands as a tribute to his contributions to mathematics and science, reflecting the supercomputer’s role in advancing these fields. 

Leonardo was named in 2019 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's birth and symbolises innovation and creativity. A new partition dedicated to AI applications will be named LISA, after da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, further linking the supercomputer to the legacy of one of history’s greatest visionaries. 

The latest addition to the EuroHPC fleet, named after Alice Recoque, honours the French computer scientist and AI pioneer. Her work in mini-computing and AI during the 1980s paved the way for advancements in HPC. Naming the supercomputer after her celebrates her contributions and ensures her legacy continues to inspire future generations. The name was specifically chosen to honour a French female scientist, in a field which remains to this day highly male-dominated.  

Another recent addition: Arrhenius. Named after Carl Axel Arrhenius, a Swedish geologist and chemist, known for his discovery of gadolinite, the supercomputer will soon join the EuroHPC family and be located in Sweden. 

 

The names of EuroHPC supercomputers are more than mere labels; they are stories, tributes, and symbols of human achievement and aspiration. From geographical connections to mythological tales, historical figures, and core values, these names provide a narrative that enriches our understanding of these technological marvels.  

 

 

by the EuroHPC JU team