"Nearly inventing" is not something to be proud of.
http://traite.czam.de/en/latest/otlet_traite_1934_FR.html
Those who attempt first, generate knowledge that we build on. Would the Wright Bros be anywhere without the bravado of earlier failed pioneers?
In fact, Wilbur flew first that day then failed, so then Orville went and that's the flight we remember. And they might not have gotten there at all without inspiration from the childhood helicopter toys of Pénaud, who I'm not sure tried to fly himself but it wasn't long after that a bicycle maker tried.
Corpses. ...and no disrespect intended, quite the opposite.
The Giants, on the shoulders of whom we stand, are probably all dead, now.
Those, still alive, go often unrecognised...until later.
Getting credit for something you didn't invent rather than the word you did is just tacky.
We're reducing the incredible collective work of millions of minds to the name of a single person and claiming they did it all. That's nonsense of course and every time you read into any discovery you'll learn all the connections that led up to it. Nothing in science, maths, or technology is the work of one person. Acknowledging this doesn't belittle the incredible work that your favorite scientist or mathematician did any more than pointing out that your favorite sportsball star plays on a team, by the way. It's just a more honest reframing.
On the other hand, famous names linked to discoveries is inspiring and simple even if it's not entirely true. Maybe that's why we do it?