In effect, we conjure the spirits of the computer with our spells <…>

The programs we use to conjure processes are like a sorcerer’s spells <…>

Thus, like the sorcerer’s apprentice, novice programmers must learn to understand and to anticipate the consequences of their conjuring.

– Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

There was actually an attempt during the early stage industrial revolution to repurposed terms like “druid” etc. But I guess once fantasy novels became popular that idea went out of the window quickly.

Well, as the daily work in SW developing has surprisingly little to do with “engineering”, you might as well call it that.