Researchers found that ancient Greek ship names fell into clear patterns. Many triremes—three-tiered oared warships—were named after gods, heroes, virtues, or abstract ideals. Names like “Nike” (Victory), “Demokratia” (Democracy), and “Eleutheria” (Freedom) appeared again and again.

Others referenced mythology, like “Achilleia” after Achilles, or “Thetis,” the sea nymph and mother of Achilles. These names weren’t random. They were tools of military psychology.

And others were called Boaty McBoatface.