with the fascination with science fiction in the mid 1900s to the movies/tv shows 2001: A space odyssey and star wars and star trek, etc... the nerd was cultivated. It brought complex math, statistics and science into a realm of imagination and was only reinforced by reality with new science, and new technology being developed quicker with faster mediums to present it.

At some point nerd transitioned from an accusation of weak will and even poorer alpha clout to a term of endearment. From the endearment came a passion to strive, adapting the new technology with the necessary skills acquired as a nerd. These nerds became the content creators, the entrepreneurs, and the image of successful. They became the new macho, the new manly. Technology made new skills valuable and no longer is being the strongest, or exceptionally athletic keys to success (still have value in todays society) but intelligence can be just as powerful.

With that said, there is always a "root for the underdog" mentality in American culture (its part of our history) and nerds were the wise underdog, working smarter to outwit their opponent in order to be successful. This is really why the nerd sells.

fake it till you make it. you dont really need the interest in math and science to be a "nerd."