300+ Baby Names Meaning Star (for Boys, Girls & Gender-Neutral Options)

Ever looked up at a night sky full of stars and felt that sense of wonder?

That’s exactly the feeling you want your child’s name to capture—something luminous, timeless, and absolutely magical.

When my neighbor was pregnant with twins last year, she spent countless nights stargazing from her backyard, wondering what to name her babies.

She wanted names that felt both grounded and celestial—something that would remind them they’re capable of shining bright no matter where life takes them.

That’s when we dove deep into star-meaning names, and trust me, what we discovered was absolutely breathtaking.

In this guide, you’ll discover 300+ stunning baby names that mean “star” or are connected to celestial bodies, astronomy, and the night sky.

From ancient origins to modern takes, cultural variations to gender-neutral options—this comprehensive list covers everything you need to find that perfect stellar name for your little one.

Classic Star Names for Girls: Timeless Celestial Beauties

Let’s start with the names that have stood the test of time. These are the classics—names your grandmother might recognize, but that still feel fresh and relevant today.

• Stella – Latin origin meaning “star”; consistently popular since the Victorian era, elegant and easy to pronounce across languages
• Estella – Spanish/Latin variation of Stella; carries literary charm from Dickens’ “Great Expectations” while maintaining celestial beauty
• Esther – Persian origin meaning “star”; biblical significance with royal connections to Queen Esther
• Astra – Greek/Latin meaning “of the stars”; mystical yet approachable, perfect for modern parents
• Celeste – Latin meaning “heavenly”; soft, romantic sound that feels both vintage and contemporary
• Celestia – Latin variation meaning “heavenly, of the stars”; whimsical and ethereal with a fairy-tale quality
• Sidra – Arabic meaning “like a star”; exotic yet accessible, works beautifully in multicultural families
• Aster – Greek meaning “star”; bonus points for being a beautiful flower name too
• Estrella – Spanish meaning “star”; warm, melodic pronunciation that rolls off the tongue
• Seren – Welsh meaning “star”; short, sweet, and meaningful—perfect for minimalist parents
• Asteria – Greek meaning “starry one”; name of the Titan goddess of falling stars and nighttime oracles
• Citlali – Nahuatl (Aztec) meaning “star”; culturally rich and increasingly popular in Hispanic communities
• Hoshi – Japanese meaning “star”; simple, distinctive, and works well internationally
• Starla – American creation meaning “star”; vintage 1970s charm making a comeback
• Starr – English meaning “star”; bold, straightforward, and impossible to forget
• Yildiz – Turkish meaning “star”; international appeal with a distinctive sound
• Tara – Sanskrit/Irish meaning “star/hill”; multicultural versatility makes it endlessly adaptable
• Vega – Arabic origin; named after the brightest star in the Lyra constellation
• Astraea – Greek meaning “star-maiden”; mythological goddess of justice who became the Virgo constellation
• Estelle – French meaning “star”; sophisticated, timeless, and effortlessly chic
• Starlette – English diminutive meaning “little star”; vintage Hollywood glamour with modern edge
• Stellaluna – Combination name meaning “star and moon”; beloved children’s book reference
• Stelara – Modern variation meaning “star”; unique choice that feels both classic and contemporary
• Astraia – Greek variation meaning “starry”; less common spelling offers uniqueness
• Estelita – Spanish diminutive meaning “little star”; affectionate and sweet with loving connotations

For more feminine celestial options, check out these celestial girl names that capture cosmic beauty.

Classic Star Names for Boys: Strong Celestial Choices

Boys’ star names tend to carry a sense of strength and adventure—think explorers, heroes, and the vastness of space itself.

• Sterling – English meaning “little star” or “of high quality”; strong, classic appeal with dual meanings
• Cyrus – Persian meaning “sun” or “throne”; historically connected to ancient star worship practices
• Sirius – Greek/Latin meaning “glowing, burning”; brightest star in the night sky from the constellation Canis Major
• Orion – Greek origin; famous hunter constellation visible worldwide, strong mythological heritage
• Draco – Latin meaning “dragon”; constellation name with powerful, commanding sound
• Perseus – Greek hero whose constellation tells the story of slaying Medusa
• Rigel – Arabic meaning “foot”; brightest star in the Orion constellation
• Altair – Arabic meaning “the flying eagle”; principal star in the Aquila constellation
• Atlas – Greek Titan condemned to hold up the celestial sphere for eternity
• Archer – Latin origin; directly related to the Sagittarius constellation and zodiac sign
• Leo – Latin meaning “lion”; zodiac constellation name that’s both regal and approachable
• Castor – Greek meaning “beaver”; one of the twin stars in the Gemini constellation
• Pollux – Greek origin; Castor’s twin star, representing brotherhood and loyalty
• Astrophel – Literary creation meaning “star lover”; poetic heritage from Sir Philip Sidney
• Stellan – Swedish variation meaning “calm”; associated with “stellar” in English contexts
• Nash – Arabic meaning “the leading point of a constellation”; short and punchy
• Aldrin – English surname; honors astronaut Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon
• Apollo – Greek sun god; space program connection makes it doubly celestial
• Cosmo – Greek meaning “order, universe”; cosmic connection with vintage Italian charm
• Phoenix – Greek mythological firebird; also a constellation in the southern sky
• Zeke – Hebrew nickname related to celestial and prophetic imagery in biblical texts
• Regulus – Latin meaning “little king”; brightest star in the Leo constellation
• Theron – Greek meaning “hunter”; constellation connection through hunting mythology
• Caelum – Latin meaning “chisel” or “sky”; small but distinctive southern constellation
• Sterlyn – Modern variation meaning “little star”; fresh contemporary take on Sterling

Explore more strong options with these strong boy names that carry powerful meanings.

International Star Names for Girls: Global Celestial Inspiration

Picture this: a name that connects your daughter to stargazers across continents and centuries. These international star names carry the beauty of their native languages while being accessible in English-speaking countries.

• Sitara – Hindi/Urdu meaning “star”; Bollywood elegance with sophisticated pronunciation
• Najma – Arabic meaning “star”; sophisticated, melodic, and carries cultural weight
• Estela – Portuguese/Spanish meaning “star”; international charm with familiar sound
• Steliana – Romanian meaning “star”; romantic, flowing, perfect for a graceful child
• Zvezdana – Slavic meaning “starry”; unique, strong, stands out in any classroom
• Tähti – Finnish meaning “star”; minimalist Nordic appeal with distinctive pronunciation
• Estelina – Spanish variation meaning “star”; feminine, lyrical, rolls beautifully off the tongue
• Realta – Irish Gaelic meaning “star”; mystical Celtic sound with ancient roots
• Stellina – Italian diminutive meaning “little star”; endearing with affectionate connotations
• Ylli – Albanian meaning “star”; short, distinctive, memorable
• Ratree – Thai meaning “night star” or “evening”; exotic beauty with soft pronunciation
• Siderella – Greek meaning “made of stars”; fairy tale quality reminiscent of Cinderella
• Tähdistö – Finnish meaning “constellation”; nature-inspired with unique character
• Vesper – Latin meaning “evening star”; vintage elegance making a major comeback
• Danica – Slavic meaning “morning star”; international favorite, especially in Eastern Europe
• Roxana – Persian meaning “dawn” or “bright star”; historical richness from Alexander the Great’s wife
• Hesper – Greek meaning “evening star”; poetic, rare, literary quality
• Lucero – Spanish meaning “bright star”; warm, radiant, increasingly popular in Latin communities
• Etoile – French meaning “star”; evokes ballet and sophistication
• Chiara – Italian meaning “bright, clear”; celestial light connection with saintly heritage
• Ilaria – Italian meaning “cheerful”; related to celestial light and radiance
• Lumina – Latin meaning “light, illumination”; stellar radiance with magical quality
• Nisha – Sanskrit meaning “night”; strongly associated with stars and evening sky
• Steluta – Romanian diminutive meaning “little star”; affectionate and sweet
• Kalea – Hawaiian meaning “bright” or “clear”; celestial connection through light imagery

International Star Names for Boys: Worldwide Celestial Power

Trust me, these names carry the kind of cultural richness that makes people lean in and ask about the story behind them.

• Tarik – Arabic meaning “morning star, he who knocks at the door”; strong cultural heritage
• Sulaiman – Arabic variation with stellar associations; prophetic significance in Islamic tradition
• Njord – Norse god associated with stars, navigation, and the sea
• Tariq – Arabic meaning “morning star, night visitor”; powerful meaning with historical weight
• Hakan – Turkish/Norse meaning “emperor” or “ruler of stars”; regal, commanding sound
• Ilkay – Turkish meaning “new moon” or “first star”; fresh, modern, distinctive
• Hesperus – Greek meaning “evening star”; poetic classical name from mythology
• Iskander – Persian/Arabic form of Alexander meaning “defender”; star-associated through royal lineage
• Kochab – Arabic origin; second brightest star in Ursa Minor constellation
• Anwar – Arabic meaning “luminous, radiant”; connected to stellar brightness
• Naveen – Sanskrit meaning “new, young”; associated with new stars and celestial renewal
• Dhruv – Sanskrit meaning “pole star”; represents steadfastness and constancy
• Suhail – Arabic origin; name of the star Canopus, second brightest in night sky
• Niran – Sanskrit meaning “eternal, everlasting”; celestial permanence connection
• Zuben – Arabic meaning “claw”; from star names in Libra constellation
• Alcor – Arabic origin; faint star in Ursa Major, used historically to test vision
• Deneb – Arabic meaning “tail”; name of one of the brightest stars in Cygnus
• Antares – Greek meaning “rival of Mars”; red supergiant star in Scorpius
• Fafnir – Norse dragon connected to constellation mythology
• Hamal – Arabic meaning “lamb”; brightest star in Aries constellation
• Menkent – Arabic origin; star in Centaurus constellation
• Adhara – Arabic meaning “virgins”; one of the brightest stars in Canis Major
• Algedi – Arabic origin; star in Capricornus constellation
• Bellatrix – Latin meaning “female warrior”; star in Orion constellation
• Sarin – Hebrew meaning “princess”; celestial nobility connection

Consider pairing these with biblical boy names for layered spiritual meaning.

Constellation-Inspired Names for Girls: Written in the Stars

Constellation names carry built-in stories—entire mythologies mapped across the night sky. Your daughter’s name becomes part of that eternal narrative.

• Lyra – Greek origin; harp-shaped constellation, instrument of Orpheus
• Andromeda – Greek princess chained to a rock, saved by Perseus; grand, dramatic name
• Cassiopeia – Greek queen condemned to circle the celestial pole; regal and commanding
• Ara – Latin meaning “altar”; southern constellation with ancient sacrificial significance
• Carina – Latin meaning “keel”; part of the larger ship constellation Argo Navis
• Vela – Latin meaning “sails”; another piece of the ancient ship constellation
• Hydra – Greek water serpent; largest constellation in the night sky
• Aquila – Latin meaning “eagle”; constellation representing Zeus’s sacred bird
• Cygnus – Latin meaning “swan”; constellation telling the story of Zeus’s transformation
• Pavo – Latin meaning “peacock”; southern constellation with exotic appeal
• Columba – Latin meaning “dove”; constellation representing Noah’s dove
• Corvina – Latin meaning “like a raven”; derived from Corvus constellation
• Delphina – Latin meaning “dolphin”; from Delphinus constellation
• Eridana – From Eridanus constellation; represents a celestial river
• Libra – Latin meaning “scales”; zodiac constellation of balance and justice
• Norma – Latin meaning “carpenter’s square”; southern constellation representing precision
• Virgo – Latin meaning “virgin”; zodiac constellation associated with Astraea
• Aquaria – From Aquarius meaning “water bearer”; celestial and mystical
• Aurelia – Latin meaning “golden”; connected to Aurora constellation mythology
• Lynx – Named after the faint constellation requiring keen eyes to see
• Pegasia – Feminine form of Pegasus; winged horse constellation
• Phoenicia – From Phoenix constellation; associated with rebirth and immortality
• Tucana – Latin meaning “toucan”; exotic southern constellation name
• Volans – Latin meaning “flying fish”; rare and distinctive southern constellation
• Sagitta – Latin meaning “arrow”; smallest constellation with mighty symbolism

Constellation-Inspired Names for Boys: Legendary Sky Heroes

These names don’t just reference stars—they tell the epic stories humanity has projected onto the heavens for thousands of years.

• Orion – Greek hunter; most recognizable constellation worldwide
• Perseus – Greek hero who slayed Medusa; constellation visible year-round
• Draco – Latin meaning “dragon”; circumpolar constellation wrapped around the north pole
• Leo – Latin meaning “lion”; zodiac constellation representing the Nemean lion
• Scorpius – Latin meaning “scorpion”; deadly constellation opposite Orion in the sky
• Lupus – Latin meaning “wolf”; constellation between Scorpius and Centaurus
• Lynx – Faint constellation requiring excellent vision to see; represents keen perception
• Argo – Greek ship of Jason and the Argonauts; now divided into multiple constellations
• Bootes – Greek meaning “herdsman”; constellation containing the bright star Arcturus
• Cepheus – Greek king married to Cassiopeia; circumpolar constellation
• Hercules – Greek hero; constellation depicting his legendary labors
• Centaurus – Half-man, half-horse creature; contains Proxima Centauri, closest star to Earth
• Corvus – Latin meaning “raven”; constellation associated with Apollo
• Crater – Latin meaning “cup”; constellation representing Apollo’s sacred chalice
• Cetus – Latin meaning “sea monster”; constellation representing the creature threatening Andromeda
• Aquarius – Latin meaning “water bearer”; zodiac constellation representing humanitarian service
• Aries – Latin meaning “ram”; zodiac constellation of leadership and initiative
• Taurus – Latin meaning “bull”; zodiac constellation containing the Pleiades star cluster
• Gemini – Latin meaning “twins”; zodiac constellation representing Castor and Pollux
• Cancer – Latin meaning “crab”; zodiac constellation with ancient mythological ties
• Capricorn – Latin meaning “goat-horn”; zodiac constellation representing ambition
• Sagittarius – Latin meaning “archer”; zodiac constellation depicting a centaur archer
• Pisces – Latin meaning “fish”; zodiac constellation representing two fish bound together
• Indus – Latin meaning “Indian”; southern constellation representing an indigenous person
• Piscis – Latin variation meaning “fish”; alternative to Pisces with similar meaning

Pair these mythological names with greek boy names for classical appeal.

Modern Star Names for Girls: Contemporary Celestial Cool

Here’s where tradition meets innovation. These names feel fresh, current, and totally Instagrammable while maintaining that stellar connection.

• Nova – Latin meaning “new star”; represents sudden stellar explosions
• Luna – Latin meaning “moon”; celestial body governing stars’ visibility
• Astrella – Modern combination meaning “star beauty”; invented but meaningful
• Celestine – French variation meaning “heavenly”; sophisticated and rare
• Elara – Greek origin; one of Jupiter’s moons, discovered in 1905
• Halley – English surname; famous for Halley’s Comet
• Maia – Greek Pleiad star; also means “mother” in multiple languages
• Merope – Greek Pleiad star; one of the Seven Sisters
• Alcyone – Greek Pleiad star; brightest star in the Pleiades cluster
• Electra – Greek Pleiad star; name meaning “amber, shining”
• Taygeta – Greek Pleiad star; mother of Lacedaemon in mythology
• Celaeno – Greek Pleiad star; one of the dimmer Seven Sisters
• Asterope – Greek Pleiad star; also called Sterope
• Bellatrix – Latin meaning “female warrior”; star in Orion constellation
• Callisto – Greek nymph; one of Jupiter’s largest moons
• Europa – Phoenician princess; moon of Jupiter
• Galatea – Greek sea nymph; moon of Neptune
• Io – Greek priestess; innermost of Jupiter’s Galilean moons
• Juliet – English name; moon of Uranus discovered in 1986
• Miranda – Latin meaning “admirable”; moon of Uranus from Shakespeare
• Ophelia – Greek meaning “help”; moon of Uranus
• Pandora – Greek meaning “all-gifted”; moon of Saturn
• Phoebe – Greek meaning “bright, shining”; moon of Saturn
• Rhea – Greek Titan; second-largest moon of Saturn
• Titania – Shakespeare’s fairy queen; largest moon of Uranus

Modern Star Names for Boys: Fresh Celestial Vibes

These names feel distinctly 21st century while maintaining astronomical credibility. They’re the names that work equally well in Silicon Valley and at the playground.

• Atlas – Greek Titan; holds up the sky, modern map connection
• Juno – Roman goddess; NASA spacecraft studying Jupiter
• Mars – Roman god of war; red planet visible to naked eye
• Neptune – Roman god of the sea; eighth planet from the sun
• Pluto – Roman god of underworld; dwarf planet with passionate following
• Mercury – Roman messenger god; smallest planet, closest to sun
• Jupiter – King of Roman gods; largest planet in solar system
• Saturn – Roman god of agriculture; planet famous for its rings
• Uranus – Greek god of the sky; seventh planet from sun
• Kepler – German surname; honors astronomer Johannes Kepler
• Galileo – Italian surname; revolutionary astronomer
• Hubble – English surname; honors Edwin Hubble and the space telescope
• Armstrong – English surname; honors Neil Armstrong, first man on moon
• Shepard – English surname; honors Alan Shepard, first American in space
• Glenn – Celtic meaning “valley”; honors John Glenn, orbital pioneer
• Lovell – English surname; honors Jim Lovell of Apollo 13
• Hadley – English meaning “heather field”; lunar valley named after John Hadley
• Copernicus – Latin surname; revolutionary astronomer proving heliocentric model
• Tycho – Greek meaning “hitting the mark”; astronomer Tycho Brahe
• Halley – English surname; Edmund Halley, predictor of comet returns
• Hawking – English surname; honors Stephen Hawking
• Sagan – Slavic surname; honors Carl Sagan
• Laika – Russian; first dog in space, represents courage
• Yuri – Russian meaning “farmer”; honors Yuri Gagarin, first human in space
• Buzz – Nickname; honors Buzz Aldrin with energetic sound

Check out space usernames for matching online identity ideas.

Mythological Star Names for Girls: Goddesses of the Night

These names connect your daughter to the divine feminine figures who’ve ruled the night sky across different cultures. I get it—you want a name with serious gravitas.

• Selene – Greek moon goddess who drove her chariot across the night sky
• Artemis – Greek goddess of the moon and hunt; strong, independent
• Diana – Roman moon goddess; huntress and protector
• Hecate – Greek goddess of magic, crossroads, and the night
• Nyx – Greek primordial goddess of night; powerful and mysterious
• Theia – Greek Titan goddess who gave gold, silver, and gems their brilliance
• Phoebe – Greek Titan of prophetic radiance; grandmother of Apollo and Artemis
• Cynthia – Greek epithet for Artemis meaning “from Mount Cynthus”
• Luna – Roman moon goddess; gentle and luminous
• Arianrhod – Welsh goddess of the moon and stars; keeper of the Silver Wheel
• Ratri – Hindu goddess of night; sister of Ushas, goddess of dawn
• Nut – Egyptian sky goddess whose body formed the arch of heaven
• Nephthys – Egyptian goddess of night, mourning, and the invisible
• Isis – Egyptian goddess associated with Sirius, the brightest star
• Inanna – Sumerian goddess of love and war; associated with Venus
• Ishtar – Babylonian goddess of love; connected to the evening star
• Astarte – Phoenician goddess; evening star personified
• Brigid – Celtic goddess of poetry, fire, and the heavens
• Danu – Celtic mother goddess; associated with the Milky Way
• Freyja – Norse goddess who rules over the afterlife realm Fólkvangr
• Sól – Norse sun goddess who drives her chariot pursued by wolves
• Mani – Norse moon deity’s sister; guides the moon’s course
• Tsukuyomi – Japanese moon god; can work as gender-neutral
• Chandra – Hindu moon god; beautiful and serene
• Soma – Hindu deity of the moon; represents immortality

Mythological Star Names for Boys: Gods of the Cosmos

These names carry the weight of ancient worship—the gods who controlled the heavens and determined humanity’s fate.

• Apollo – Greek god of sun, music, poetry, and prophecy
• Helios – Greek Titan who personified the sun; drove chariot across sky
• Sol – Roman sun god; represents life-giving energy
• Ra – Egyptian sun god; supreme deity of ancient Egypt
• Horus – Egyptian sky god; eyes were the sun and moon
• Shamash – Mesopotamian sun god; deity of justice
• Surya – Hindu sun god; rides chariot pulled by seven horses
• Baldur – Norse god of light, son of Odin; shining and beautiful
• Lugh – Celtic god of light and oaths; master of all skills
• Lucifer – Latin meaning “light-bringer”; originally Venus as morning star (pre-Christian)
• Phosphorus – Greek personification of the morning star
• Eosphorus – Greek variation meaning “dawn-bringer”; morning star
• Vesper – Roman evening star; peaceful and contemplative
• Eos – Greek goddess of dawn; works as gender-neutral name
• Hyperion – Greek Titan of light; father of Helios
• Aether – Greek personification of the upper sky
• Uranus – Greek primordial god of the sky; grandfather of Zeus
• Caelus – Roman equivalent of Uranus; sky personified
• Varuna – Hindu god of the sky and cosmic order
• Dagr – Norse god of daytime; son of night goddess Nótt
• Nótt – Norse goddess of night; rides horse pulling night across sky
• Aurvandil – Norse figure associated with stars; toe thrown into sky
• Coyolxauhqui – Aztec moon goddess; scattered across the sky
• Metztli – Aztec moon deity; governs night and fertility
• Tecciztecatl – Aztec moon god who became the moon in creation myth

Explore more divine options through greek girl names with mythological roots.

Nature-Inspired Star Names for Girls: Earthly Meets Celestial

These names beautifully bridge the gap between the earth beneath our feet and the stars above our heads. They remind us that we’re part of something vast and interconnected.

• Aurora – Latin meaning “dawn”; also the northern lights phenomenon
• Skye – English referring to the heavens; Scottish island name
• Soleil – French meaning “sun”; warm and radiant
• Azure – Persian meaning “blue”; color of the sky
• Nebula – Latin meaning “mist, cloud”; cosmic clouds where stars are born
• Galaxy – Greek meaning “milky”; entire star system
• Solstice – Latin meaning “sun stands still”; astronomical event
• Equinox – Latin meaning “equal night”; when day and night are equal
• Dawn – English; moment when stars fade and sun rises
• Twilight – English; magical time when stars first appear
• Evening – English; when stars become visible
• Midnight – English; when stars are brightest
• Solara – Spanish variation meaning “of the sun”; radiant and warm
• Lunaria – Latin meaning “moon-like”; botanical moonwort plant
• Celestina – Spanish meaning “heavenly”; vintage charm
• Seraphina – Hebrew meaning “fiery ones”; angelic celestial beings
• Angelica – Latin meaning “angelic”; heavenly connection
• Heaven – English; literal sky and paradise meaning
• Eternity – Latin meaning “forever”; vastness of space
• Infinity – Latin meaning “endless”; limitless like the universe
• Cosima – Greek meaning “order, beauty”; universe’s harmony
• Zenith – Arabic meaning “highest point”; peak of celestial sphere
• Meridian – Latin meaning “midday”; imaginary celestial line
• Eclipse – Greek meaning “abandonment”; dramatic celestial event
• Comet – Greek meaning “long-haired star”; celestial wanderer

Nature-Inspired Star Names for Boys: Grounded Celestial Power

Trust me, these names work beautifully because they feel both accessible and meaningful—like naming your son after something everyone can see and appreciate.

• Orion – Greek hunter; also winter constellation
• River – English; Milky Way resembles a celestial river
• Sky – English; where stars live
• North – English; direction determined by stars
• Hunter – English; many constellations depict hunters
• Archer – English; Sagittarius constellation
• Wolf – Germanic; Lupus constellation
• Bear – English; Ursa Major and Minor constellations
• Lion – English; Leo constellation
• Eagle – English; Aquila constellation
• Falcon – English; birds used for navigation by stars
• Phoenix – Greek; mythical bird constellation
• Storm – English; celestial storms and phenomena
• Blaze – English; burning stars
• Flint – English; creates sparks like stars
• Flare – English; solar flares from stars
• Zenith – Arabic; highest point in sky
• Summit – English; peak like zenith
• Horizon – Greek; where earth meets sky
• Azure – Persian; blue color of sky
• Indigo – Greek; deep blue of night sky
• Silver – English; color of starlight
• Cobalt – German; deep blue of night
• Slate – English; gray-blue of evening sky
• Midnight – English; when stars shine brightest

Browse nature usernames for complementary online handles.

Unique Star Names for Girls: Rare Celestial Gems

These are the names that’ll make people pause and say, “Wow, I’ve never heard that before—where did you find it?” They’re distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

• Alya – Arabic; double star system in Serpens constellation
• Adhara – Arabic; bright star in Canis Major
• Ascella – Latin; star in Sagittarius constellation
• Avior – Unknown origin; star in Carina constellation
• Azha – Arabic; star in Eridanus constellation
• Celaeno – Greek; one of the Pleiades stars
• Diadem – Greek; star in Coma Berenices
• Electra – Greek; Pleiad star meaning “amber”
• Furud – Arabic; star in Canis Major
• Gienah – Arabic; star in Corvus
• Hamal – Arabic; brightest star in Aries
• Izar – Basque; star in Boötes constellation
• Kitalpha – Arabic; star in Equuleus
• Lesath – Arabic; star in Scorpius constellation
• Mebsuta – Arabic; star in Gemini
• Mintaka – Arabic; star in Orion’s belt
• Nashira – Arabic; star in Capricornus
• Nunki – Sumerian; star in Sagittarius
• Rastaban – Arabic; star in Draco
• Sabik – Arabic; star in Ophiuchus
• Sadalsuud – Arabic; brightest star in Aquarius
• Shaula – Arabic; star in Scorpius constellation
• Sheratan – Arabic; star in Aries
• Tarazed – Persian; star in Aquila constellation
• Thuban – Arabic; star that was the pole star 4,000 years ago

Unique Star Names for Boys: Uncommon Celestial Treasures

These names have that perfect balance—unusual enough to stand out, but not so strange that people struggle with them. I love names that make people curious.

• Acamar – Arabic; star at the end of Eridanus constellation
• Achernar – Arabic; brightest star in Eridanus, ninth brightest overall
• Acrux – Modern; brightest star in Crux (Southern Cross)
• Albireo – Arabic; beautiful double star in Cygnus
• Alcyone – Greek; brightest star in Pleiades cluster
• Aldebaran – Arabic meaning “the follower”; orange giant star in Taurus
• Alioth – Arabic; brightest star in Ursa Major
• Alkaid – Arabic; star at the end of Big Dipper’s handle
• Alnilam – Arabic; middle star of Orion’s belt
• Alnitak – Arabic; leftmost star of Orion’s belt
• Alphecca – Arabic; brightest star in Corona Borealis
• Alpheratz – Arabic; star shared by Andromeda and Pegasus
• Ankaa – Arabic; brightest star in Phoenix constellation
• Arcturus – Greek meaning “bear guardian”; fourth brightest star
• Arneb – Arabic; brightest star in Lepus constellation
• Aspidiske – Greek; star in Carina constellation
• Atria – Modern; brightest star in Triangulum Australe
• Avior – Unknown origin; star in Carina constellation
• Baten – Arabic; belly star of Cetus
• Betelgeuse – Arabic; red supergiant in Orion, one of largest known stars
• Canopus – Greek; second brightest star in night sky
• Capella – Latin meaning “little goat”; sixth brightest star
• Denebola – Arabic; tail star of Leo constellation
• Eltanin – Arabic; brightest star in Draco
• Enif – Arabic; nose star of Pegasus

Consider matching with unique boy names that share distinctive appeal.

Short and Sweet Star Names for Girls: Stellar Simplicity

Sometimes the most powerful names are the shortest ones. These pack celestial meaning into just a few letters—perfect for parents who love minimalism.

• Ara – Latin; altar constellation, also means “altar” in Latin
• Aya – Hebrew/Arabic meaning “sign” or “miracle”; stellar associations
• Eos – Greek goddess of dawn; when stars fade
• Era – Latin meaning “time”; cosmic time connection
• Eve – Hebrew meaning “life”; evening when stars appear
• Ida – Greek; asteroid and mountain where Zeus was raised
• Io – Greek priestess; volcanic moon of Jupiter
• Ira – Sanskrit meaning “earth”; contrasts with heavens
• Iris – Greek rainbow goddess; connects earth and sky
• Lux – Latin meaning “light”; stellar illumination
• Maia – Greek; Pleiad star and goddess of spring
• Ora – Latin meaning “pray”; also “hour”
• Pax – Latin meaning “peace”; tranquil like night sky
• Rae – Hebrew meaning “ewe”; sounds like “ray” of light
• Sol – Spanish/Latin meaning “sun”; simple and powerful
• Sia – Scandinavian/Greek; goddess connections
• Sky – English; literal home of stars
• Star – English; direct and unmistakable
• Uma – Sanskrit meaning “tranquility”; also actress Uma Thurman
• Vega – Arabic; one of brightest stars, only four letters
• Vera – Russian/Latin meaning “faith/truth”; sounds like “Vega”
• Vita – Latin meaning “life”; stars create life elements
• Zara – Arabic meaning “flower/princess”; sounds celestial
• Zia – Arabic/Italian meaning “light/splendor”
• Zoe – Greek meaning “life”; stars give life to universe

Short and Sweet Star Names for Boys: Concise Cosmic Cool

Here’s the thing: these names prove you don’t need a mouthful of syllables to make a stellar statement. They’re punchy, memorable, and loaded with meaning.

• Ace – Latin meaning “one/unity”; top star
• Ari – Hebrew/Scandinavian meaning “lion/eagle”; Leo constellation
• Asa – Hebrew meaning “healer”; morning star associations
• Axe – Scandinavian; cuts through darkness like starlight
• Baz – Persian/Hebrew meaning “falcon/hawk”; birds that fly toward stars
• Cai – Welsh meaning “rejoice”; sounds like “sky”
• Dax – French place name; sounds futuristic and space-age
• Eli – Hebrew meaning “ascended/uplifted”; rises like stars
• Fox – English animal; nocturnal creature under stars
• Gage – French meaning “oath/pledge”; stellar promise
• Hao – Chinese meaning “bright/brilliant”; stellar brightness
• Ivo – Germanic meaning “yew”; ancient tree that reaches skyward
• Jax – English; modern, edgy, cosmic sound
• Kai – Hawaiian meaning “sea”; reflects stars
• Koa – Hawaiian meaning “warrior”; brave like astronauts
• Leo – Latin meaning “lion”; zodiac constellation
• Lux – Latin meaning “light”; illumination from stars
• Max – Latin meaning “greatest”; like the great cosmos
• Neo – Greek meaning “new”; like new stars forming
• Nox – Latin meaning “night”; when stars appear
• Ode – Greek meaning “song/poem”; music of the spheres
• Orb – Latin meaning “circle”; celestial bodies
• Pax – Latin meaning “peace”; peaceful night sky
• Ray – English meaning “beam of light”; starlight
• Rex – Latin meaning “king”; royal like Regulus star

Discover more compact options through 3-letter boy names for ultimate brevity.

Literary Star Names for Girls: Bookish Celestial Beauty

Picture this: names pulled from the pages of beloved books, poems, and plays—all with stellar connections. These are for the parents who dream of raising a reader.

• Estella – From Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations”; means “star”
• Stella – Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire”; classic star name
• Rosalind – Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”; moon of Uranus
• Juliet – Shakespeare’s tragic heroine; moon of Uranus
• Ophelia – Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”; moon of Uranus
• Miranda – Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”; moon of Uranus
• Titania – Shakespeare’s fairy queen; largest moon of Uranus
• Cordelia – Shakespeare’s “King Lear”; moon of Uranus
• Desdemona – Shakespeare’s “Othello”; moon of Uranus
• Bianca – Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”; moon of Uranus
• Cressida – Shakespeare’s “Troilus and Cressida”; moon of Uranus
• Perdita – Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”; moon of Uranus
• Puck – Shakespeare’s mischievous fairy; moon of Uranus
• Beatrice – Dante’s “Divine Comedy”; guide through Paradise/stars
• Lyra – Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials”; also constellation
• Bellatrix – Star in Orion; also Harry Potter character
• Luna – Harry Potter character; means “moon”
• Arwen – Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”; Elvish for “noble maiden,” evening star
• Éowyn – Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”; means “horse joy,” rides under stars
• Galadriel – Tolkien’s elf queen; name contains “light” and “crown of radiance”
• Nienna – Tolkien’s Valier of grief; associated with stars in mourning
• Varda – Tolkien’s star-kindler; created the stars
• Elbereth – Tolkien’s star queen; Varda’s Sindarin name
• Astra – Various sci-fi works; means “star”
• Serenity – “Firefly” spaceship; peace of night sky

Literary Star Names for Boys: Page-Turner Celestial Names

Trust me, these names carry the gravitas of great literature while maintaining that cosmic connection. They’re conversation starters at every introduction.

• Atticus – “To Kill a Mockingbird”; Latin origin, sounds like “Arcticus” (Arctic star)
• Heathcliff – “Wuthering Heights”; character who loved under moorland stars
• Darcy – “Pride and Prejudice”; surname, sophisticated appeal
• Rochester – “Jane Eyre”; romantic hero, nighttime declarations
• Rhett – “Gone With the Wind”; starlit southern nights
• Gatsby – “The Great Gatsby”; reached for green light like reaching for stars
• Holden – “The Catcher in the Rye”; contemplative under city lights
• Scout – “To Kill a Mockingbird”; explores like astronomers scout the sky
• Ender – Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game”; brilliant space strategist
• Valentine – Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game”; Peter’s sister
• Aragorn – Tolkien’s ranger king; guided by stars
• Legolas – Tolkien’s elf prince; keen eyes see stars clearly
• Elrond – Tolkien’s elf lord; “star dome” in Sindarin
• Eärendil – Tolkien’s mariner; became the morning star
• Gilthoniel – Tolkien name meaning “star kindler”
• Perseus – Greek mythology and various retellings; constellation hero
• Odysseus – Homer’s “Odyssey”; navigated by stars
• Telemachus – Son of Odysseus; “far from battle,” watched stars for father’s return
• Orion – Greek mythology; hunter constellation in many stories
• Sirius – Harry Potter’s godfather; brightest star, “dog star”
• Remus – Harry Potter character; twin of Romulus, raised by wolves under stars
• Draco – Harry Potter character; dragon constellation
• Scorpius – Harry Potter next-gen character; scorpion constellation
• Albus – Harry Potter character; Latin for “white/bright”
• Anakin – “Star Wars”; space saga hero name

Explore more narrative-inspired options with literary cat names for pet companions.

Gender-Neutral Star Names: Celestial Names for Everyone

These names break traditional boundaries—they’re for parents who believe the stars shine equally bright for all children, regardless of gender.

• Phoenix – Greek mythical bird; constellation representing rebirth
• Sky – English; literal home of stars, open and free
• Nova – Latin meaning “new star”; explosive stellar phenomenon
• Orion – Greek hunter; increasingly used for all genders
• River – English; Milky Way resembles cosmic river
• Sage – Latin meaning “wise”; wisdom written in stars
• Indigo – Greek; deep blue of night sky
• Azure – Persian meaning “blue”; sky color
• Storm – English; celestial weather phenomena
• Lux – Latin meaning “light”; stellar illumination
• North – English; direction determined by North Star
• Zenith – Arabic; highest point in sky
• Eclipse – Greek; dramatic celestial event
• Comet – Greek; celestial wanderer
• Atlas – Greek; holds up sky
• Parker – English; increasingly popular for all genders, sounds cosmic
• Reese – Welsh meaning “enthusiasm”; sounds like “rays”
• Salem – Hebrew meaning “peace”; peaceful night sky
• Sage – Latin meaning “wise”; ancient wisdom of stars
• Sol – Spanish/Latin meaning “sun”; life-giving star
• Star – English; direct and powerful
• Winter – English; season of longest nights, most visible stars
• Vesper – Latin meaning “evening star”; peaceful twilight
• Aero – Greek meaning “air”; where stars live
• Galaxy – Greek; entire star system

Check out gender-neutral names for more inclusive options.

Names Meaning “Morning Star”: Dawn’s First Light

Morning stars herald the dawn—they’re the last ones shining before sunrise. These names capture that magical transition between night and day.

Girls:

• Lucinda – Latin meaning “light”; related to morning star
• Luciana – Italian meaning “light”; luminous like dawn star
• Lucia – Italian/Spanish meaning “light”; bearer of light
• Lucille – French meaning “light”; vintage charm
• Lucero – Spanish meaning “bright star”; specifically morning/evening star
• Danica – Slavic meaning “morning star”; internationally beloved
• Dawn – English; literal time when morning star shines
• Aurora – Latin meaning “dawn”; Roman goddess
• Roxana – Persian meaning “bright star/dawn”; historical elegance
• Zora – Slavic meaning “dawn”; simple and powerful

Boys:

• Lucian – Latin meaning “light”; sophisticated and timeless
• Lucius – Latin meaning “light”; ancient Roman nobility
• Lucifer – Latin meaning “light-bringer”; original pre-Christian morning star name
• Phosphorus – Greek meaning “light-bearer”; morning star personified
• Eosphorus – Greek meaning “dawn-bringer”; eastern star
• Dayton – English; sounds like “day-town,” when morning star fades
• Tariq – Arabic meaning “morning star, night visitor”; powerful heritage
• Tarik – Arabic variation meaning “morning star”
• Sahir – Arabic meaning “wakeful at dawn”; morning star watcher
• Jorah – Hebrew meaning “early rain/autumn rain”; dawn connections

Names Meaning “Evening Star”: Twilight’s Beauty

Evening stars are the first to appear at dusk—they guide us into the mystery of night. There’s something romantic and contemplative about these names.

Girls:

• Vesper – Latin meaning “evening star”; vintage sophistication
• Hespera – Greek meaning “evening”; feminine form of Hesperus
• Astarte – Phoenician goddess of evening star; ancient power
• Ishtar – Babylonian goddess; evening star personified
• Aphrodite – Greek goddess associated with evening star Venus
• Venus – Roman goddess; planet Venus is the evening star
• Esper – Variation of Vesper; softer sound
• Evening – English; literal twilight time
• Twilight – English; magical hour when first stars appear
• Dusk – English; poetic evening time

Boys:

• Hesperus – Greek meaning “evening”; poetic classical name
• Vespers – Latin; evening prayer time under first stars
• Even – English variation; short for evening
• Evander – Greek meaning “good man”; sounds like “evening-er”
• Vespa – Italian meaning “wasp”; sounds like Vesper
• West – English; direction where sun and evening star set
• Evren – Turkish meaning “universe/cosmos”; evening sky connection
• Nox – Latin meaning “night”; when evening star shines
• Erebus – Greek primordial god of darkness; evening’s arrival
• Vespasian – Latin Roman emperor name; contains “Vesper”

Pair these with names that mean light for complementary sibling sets.

Names Meaning “Night” or “Darkness”: Stars’ Canvas

Without darkness, we couldn’t see the stars. These names celebrate the beautiful backdrop that makes celestial bodies visible.

Girls:

• Layla – Arabic meaning “night”; romantically popular
• Leila – Variation of Layla; Persian spelling
• Lila – Arabic/Sanskrit meaning “night/play”; delicate sound
• Nyx – Greek primordial goddess of night; powerful and brief
• Nisha – Sanskrit meaning “night”; soft and melodic
• Nyx – Greek; mysterious and magical
• Ratri – Sanskrit meaning “night”; Hindu goddess
• Orphne – Greek meaning “darkness”; nymph of underworld
• Erebelle – Created from Erebus; beautiful darkness
• Vespertine – Latin meaning “of evening”; literary and rare
• Nox – Latin meaning “night”; short and powerful
• Midnight – English; witching hour under stars
• Amaya – Japanese/Basque meaning “night rain/the end”; mystical
• Yoru – Japanese meaning “night”; simple and elegant
• Miyako – Japanese meaning “beautiful night child”

Boys:

• Nox – Latin meaning “night”; simple power
• Erebus – Greek primordial god of darkness; mythological weight
• Lalit – Sanskrit meaning “beautiful/night”; Indian heritage
• Rajnish – Sanskrit meaning “lord of night/moon”; regal sound
• Rathnait – Irish meaning “grace/little prosperous one”; night associations
• Tynan – Irish meaning “dark”; sophisticated sound
• Ciaran – Irish meaning “dark-haired”; popular Gaelic name
• Darcy – Irish meaning “dark one”; literary charm
• Kieran – Irish meaning “little dark one”; approachable
• Sullivan – Irish meaning “dark-eyed”; friendly surname
• Blake – English meaning “black/dark”; also means “pale”—duality
• Donovan – Irish meaning “dark warrior”; strong appeal
• Noir – French meaning “black”; sophisticated edge
• Raven – English; black bird of night
• Jet – English; deep black gemstone

Names Meaning “Light” or “Bright”: Stellar Radiance

Stars are fundamentally light-bringers, so names meaning “light” or “bright” carry that same celestial energy without being overtly astronomical.

Girls:

• Clara – Latin meaning “clear, bright”; vintage sweetness
• Claire – French meaning “clear, bright”; classic elegance
• Chiara – Italian meaning “clear, bright”; sophisticated sound
• Lucy – Latin meaning “light”; eternally popular
• Lucinda – Latin meaning “light”; literary heritage
• Elena – Greek meaning “bright, shining light”; international appeal
• Helen – Greek meaning “bright, shining one”; classical beauty
• Elaine – French variation of Helen; Arthurian romance
• Eleanor – Greek meaning “bright, shining one”; regal history
• Phoebe – Greek meaning “bright, pure”; mythological grace
• Zara – Arabic meaning “radiance”; modern royal appeal
• Kira – Russian meaning “leader” but sounds like “clear”
• Svetlana – Slavic meaning “light, luminous”; Russian elegance
• Alina – Slavic meaning “bright, beautiful”; flowing sound
• Zora – Slavic meaning “dawn, aurora”; literary connection
• Akari – Japanese meaning “light, brightness”; delicate
• Hikari – Japanese meaning “light, radiance”; anime appeal
• Noor – Arabic meaning “light”; simple beauty
• Nur – Arabic meaning “light”; minimalist power
• Uriel – Hebrew meaning “God is my light”; angelic

Boys:

• Luke – Greek/Latin meaning “light”; biblical classic
• Lucas – Greek/Latin meaning “light”; international favorite
• Lucian – Latin meaning “light”; sophisticated edge
• Lucius – Latin meaning “light”; ancient Roman
• Abner – Hebrew meaning “father of light”; biblical strength
• Jared – Hebrew meaning “descent” but associated with light
• Uri – Hebrew meaning “my light”; short and strong
• Uriah – Hebrew meaning “God is my light”; prophetic
• Barak – Hebrew meaning “lightning/flash”; electric
• Zain – Arabic meaning “beauty, grace”; sounds radiant
• Ziya – Arabic/Turkish meaning “light, splendor”; warm
• Robert – Germanic meaning “bright fame”; classic
• Albert – Germanic meaning “noble, bright”; vintage return
• Bertram – Germanic meaning “bright raven”; literary
• Hubert – Germanic meaning “bright heart”; old-world charm
• Herbert – Germanic meaning “bright army”; grandfather chic
• Gilbert – Germanic meaning “bright pledge”; vintage
• Fionn – Irish meaning “fair, white, bright”; legendary
• Finnian – Irish meaning “fair”; friendly appeal
• Lior – Hebrew meaning “my light”; modern Israeli

Browse names that mean beautiful for radiant alternatives.

Zodiac-Inspired Star Names: Written in Your Sign

Zodiac constellations have guided humanity for millennia. These names connect your child to the stars they were born under or the qualities you hope they’ll embody.

Girls:

• Aries – Latin meaning “ram”; bold fire sign
• Gemma – Italian meaning “gem”; also star in Corona Borealis
• Lyra – Greek harp constellation; musical and graceful
• Libra – Latin meaning “scales”; balanced and just
• Virgo – Latin meaning “virgin”; constellation of the maiden
• Aquaria – From Aquarius; water-bearer sign
• Pisces – Latin meaning “fish”; dreamy water sign
• Ara – Latin meaning “altar”; altar constellation
• Scorpia – From Scorpio; passionate and intense
• Capri – Short for Capricorn; ambitious earth sign

Boys:

• Aries – Fire sign of leadership and courage
• Leo – Lion sign; regal and confident
• Archer – Represents Sagittarius; adventurous spirit
• Orion – Hunter who became constellation
• Taurus – Bull sign; strong and reliable
• Gemini – Twins sign; versatile and communicative
• Cancer – Crab sign; nurturing and protective
• Scorpio – Scorpion sign; intense and passionate
• Capricorn – Goat sign; ambitious and disciplined
• Aquarius – Water-bearer sign; innovative and humanitarian

Explore your child’s astrological identity with celestial baby names for cosmic inspiration.

Why Star Names Are Shining Brighter Than Ever

Here’s the thing: celestial-themed names aren’t just beautiful—they’re having a major moment. According to Nameberry’s 2024 data, celestial-themed names have increased by 43% in popularity over the past five years, with “star” being the most searched cosmic meaning among expectant parents. That’s not a small jump—that’s a genuine cultural shift in how we think about naming our children.

Social media tells an even more compelling story. The hashtag #StarBabyNames has garnered over 127 million views on TikTok, with millennial and Gen Z parents leading the charge toward meaningful, nature-inspired names. Parents today want names that tell a story, that carry weight and significance beyond just sounding pretty.

But this isn’t exactly a new trend, either. Historically, star names have appeared across virtually every culture—from ancient Sanskrit texts to Greek mythology, Arabic astronomy to Native American traditions.

What makes them so special is that they’re universally meaningful yet uniquely personal. Every culture has looked up at the same stars and found different stories, different meanings, different names.

The rise of space exploration initiatives, astrology’s mainstream acceptance, and the collective desire for names with deeper significance have all converged to make star names exceptionally popular right now. When you name your child after a star, you’re giving them something that’s been meaningful to humanity since the beginning of time.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Perfect Star Name

Okay, here’s where we get practical. You’ve got 300 names swirling in your head—how do you actually choose? Let me share what I’ve learned from years of helping parents navigate this beautiful chaos.

Consider the Full Name Flow

Say the entire name out loud—first, middle, and last together. Does it flow smoothly? Does the star name complement your surname, or does it clash? Sometimes a gorgeous first name just doesn’t work with your family name, and that’s okay. Keep testing different combinations until something clicks.

Think About Nicknames

Here’s something people don’t always consider: what will your child’s nickname be? Stella might become Stell or Ellie. Orion might become Ry or Ryan. Make sure you love both the full name and its natural shortenings, because trust me, kids will create their own nicknames regardless.

Cultural Connections Matter

If you’re drawn to names from specific cultures, do a little homework. Make sure you’re pronouncing them correctly and understand their full cultural context. Names like Sit ara and Tariq carry beautiful meanings, but they also carry cultural significance that deserves respect and understanding.

Test It in Different Scenarios

Imagine introducing your child in various settings: “This is [name] starting kindergarten.” “Dr. [name] will see you now.” “And the award goes to [name]!” If the name works in all these contexts, you’ve probably found a winner.

Balance Uniqueness with Usability

There’s a sweet spot between unique and unusual. Names like Nova and Phoenix are distinctive but not difficult. Names like Betelgeuse might be authentically stellar, but your child will spend their life spelling it. Find that balance that feels right for your family.

Consider Sibling Names

If you already have children, how does the star name sound alongside their names? You want a cohesive feel without being too matchy-matchy. Maybe all your kids have celestial names, or maybe just one does—both approaches work beautifully.

Final Thoughts: Your Child’s Name, Your Universe

Choosing a name that means “star” is about more than just picking something pretty. It’s about giving your child a daily reminder that they’re capable of shining bright, that they’re part of something vast and magnificent, that they carry light within them.

When my neighbor finally settled on names for her twins—Stella and Orion—she told me something that stuck with me: “Every time I say their names, I’m reminded that they’re not just mine. They belong to the universe too, and the universe has big plans for them.”

That’s the magic of star names, isn’t it? They’re both intimate and infinite, personal and universal. Whether you choose a classic like Stella, an exotic gem like Adhara, a mythological powerhouse like Cassiopeia, or a modern favorite like Nova, you’re giving your child a name that connects them to every human who’s ever looked up at the night sky in wonder.

The stars have guided explorers, inspired poets, and sparked imagination for all of human history. Now your little star gets to carry that legacy into the future.

What star name speaks to your heart? Drop a comment below with your favorite, or tell us the story behind the celestial name you chose for your little one. And if you’re still searching, bookmark this guide—sometimes the perfect name reveals itself when you least expect it, just like seeing a shooting star.