The name "Monad" may come from "Monism," a philosophy which states that all things are one. Greek philosophers referred to "The Monad" as "The Builder," and that all things are composed of monads.
In reality, Rebecca De Mornay (Cissy Yost) is only ten years older than her on-screen son Brian Van Holt (Butchie Yost). Also, Bruce Greenwood (Mitch Yost), his on-screen father, is only thirteen years older than him.
Creator David Milch met Greyson Fletcher on set and thought he would be perfect for the role, as he was an excellent skateboarder.