An Analysis of Language That Asks ‘When Will We Run Out of Names?’

In a recent episode of Vsauce, host Michael Stevens gives an analysis of language that asks the question, “When will we run out of names?” Stevens looks at trends in naming people, bands, and other name-bearing entities, as well at the math that estimates how many letters would be needed to give every known star its own unique and pronounceable name.

The episode also questions the meaning of fame, and asks whether future generations will be able to have their own usernames online or if they’ll just have to use a string of random characters.