Apologies for an insubstantial complaint, but there are just too many things called “Nova” (or its Greek counterpart, “Neo”). I get it, it’s new, but isn’t there anything more specific or unique to reflect in the project name?

Heh, no apology needed. It's definitely an overused name. We bikeshed the name a good few years ago and came to "Nova" from "Supernova" because space is, like, cool. Rebranding would feel weird now :)

I console myself with the knowledge that most engine names are unknown anyway, and even if known they are still unsearchable (looking at you two, V8 and JSC!)

Absolutely overused but allows for cool puns