Terms of endearment? Bias in first-name eponyms for species named after people

A study published in Nature on June 16, 2026, investigated the prevalence of gender bias in species naming conventions, specifically focusing on the use of first names as eponyms. Researchers analyzed a dataset of species named after individuals and found a significant overrepresentation of male scientists being honored with first-name eponyms compared to female scientists. The study highlights that while the practice of naming species after people is common, the gender distribution of those honored is skewed, potentially reflecting historical biases in scientific recognition. This analysis utilized taxonomic databases and scientific literature to identify and categorize eponyms, aiming to quantify the extent of this gender disparity. The findings suggest a need for greater awareness and potential adjustments in how new species are named to ensure more equitable representation of scientists across genders. The research team noted that this bias could influence perceptions of scientific contributions and perpetuate historical inequalities in the field.