300+ Last Names That Mean Star (Celestial Surnames)

Last names that mean star have captured human imagination for millennia, weaving cosmic wonder into our very identities.

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered if you could carry a piece of that celestial magic in your name?

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I’d spend countless nights stargazing from my backyard, watching the Milky Way stretch across the dark sky above the Cascade Mountains. There’s something deeply moving about those tiny points of light that have guided travelers, inspired poets, and sparked dreams for thousands of years.

Years later, when helping my friend Sarah create characters for her fantasy novel, we stumbled into the incredible world of surnames that literally mean “star” across dozens of cultures. What started as a simple character-naming session turned into a fascinating journey through linguistic history and cultural astronomy.

Trust me, the depth and beauty of stellar surnames will amaze you. We’re exploring 300+ of these cosmic family names from around the globe, their fascinating origins, and how you can use them for everything from character creation to honoring celestial heritage in your own family.

European Star Surnames: Classical Elegance Meets Cosmic Wonder

European languages offer some of the most recognizable star surnames, many dating back to medieval times when astronomy and navigation were highly valued skills.

Latin & Romance Language Origins

• Stella (Italian/Latin) – Direct translation of “star,” commonly used in medieval Italian families
• Stellario (Italian) – “Of the stars,” indicating astronomical knowledge
• Stellini (Italian) – “Little stars,” a diminutive form suggesting affection
• Astro (Italian/Spanish) – “Star” or “celestial body”
• Etoile (French) – “Star,” often given to families with astronomical connections
• Estrella (Spanish) – “Star,” popular across Spanish-speaking regions
• Estrellas (Spanish) – Plural “stars,” suggesting abundance
• Estel (Catalan) – “Star,” from Catalonian regions
• Sideral (Spanish) – “Sidereal,” relating to stars
• Astral (Spanish/Portuguese) – “Of the stars”
• Sidério (Portuguese) – “Sidereal,” astronomical term
• Astério (Portuguese) – “Starry,” relating to stars
• Stellare (Romanian) – “Stellar,” of or relating to stars
• Stele (Romanian) – “Stars,” plural form
• Astrum (Latin) – “Star,” classical Latin origin

Germanic & Nordic Origins

• Stern (German/Jewish) – “Star” in German, popular among Ashkenazi Jewish communities
• Sterne (German) – Plural “stars”
• Sternen (German) – “Of the stars”
• Sternberg (German) – “Star mountain”
• Sternfeld (German) – “Star field”
• Stjerne (Danish/Norwegian) – “Star” in Scandinavian languages
• Stjernen (Norwegian) – “The star,” indicating northern navigation heritage
• Stjärnberg (Swedish) – “Star mountain”
• Stjärnfelt (Swedish) – “Star field”
• Steorra (Old English) – Ancient English for “star”
• Steele (English) – Variant of “star” through Old English “steorra”
• Starr (English) – Direct English “star”
• Sterling (English) – “Little star,” diminutive form
• Astley (English) – “Star meadow”
• Starling (English) – “Little star”

Celtic Origins

• Réalta (Irish) – “Star” in Irish Gaelic
• Réaltín (Irish) – “Little star,” affectionate diminutive
• Seren (Welsh) – “Star” in Welsh
• Serenig (Welsh) – “Little star”
• Reul (Scottish Gaelic) – “Star”
• Rionnag (Scottish Gaelic) – “Star,” alternative form
• Setanta (Irish) – Legendary name meaning “stellar”
• Sìthech (Scottish) – “Stellar,” of the stars
• Stellach (Irish) – “Starry,” full of stars

Slavic Origins

• Zvezda (Russian/Serbian) – “Star” in Slavic languages
• Zvezdan (Serbian) – “Starry,” masculine form
• Zvezdana (Serbian) – “Starry,” feminine form
• Gwiazda (Polish) – “Star” in Polish
• Hvězda (Czech) – “Star” in Czech
• Hviezda (Slovak) – “Star” in Slovak
• Stár (Hungarian) – “Star,” though Hungary isn’t Slavic
• Csillag (Hungarian) – “Star” in Hungarian
• Steaua (Romanian) – “The star”

Celtic boy names and Celtic girl names often incorporate these stellar elements in beautiful combinations.

Asian Star Surnames: Ancient Wisdom Meets Celestial Beauty

Asian cultures have perhaps the most sophisticated astronomical naming traditions, with star surnames often indicating scholarly achievement or spiritual significance.

East Asian Origins

• Hoshi (Japanese) – Direct meaning “star,” one of Japan’s most poetic surnames
• Hoshinaga (Japanese) – “Long star” or “eternal star”
• Hoshino (Japanese) – “Star field”
• Hoshikawa (Japanese) – “Star river,” referring to the Milky Way
• Hoshimura (Japanese) – “Star village”
• Hoshiyama (Japanese) – “Star mountain”
• Xing (Chinese) – “Star” character, often combined with other elements
• Xingchen (Chinese) – “Star dust” or “stellar”
• Mingxing (Chinese) – “Bright star”
• Fanxing (Chinese) – “Numerous stars”
• Qunxing (Chinese) – “Cluster of stars”
• Tianxing (Chinese) – “Heavenly star”
• Zhaoxing (Chinese) – “Morning star”
• Wanxing (Chinese) – “Evening star”
• Xingyun (Chinese) – “Star cloud,” nebula
• Byul (Korean) – Modern Korean surname meaning “star”
• Byeol (Korean) – Alternative romanization of “star”
• Seong (Korean) – “Star,” traditional character
• Hanbyul (Korean) – “One star”
• Sabyul (Korean) – “Four stars”

South Asian Origins

• Tara (Sanskrit/Hindu) – “Star” in ancient Sanskrit, still common today
• Tarika (Sanskrit) – “Small star” or “starlet”
• Nakshatra (Sanskrit) – “Star constellation”
• Nakshatr (Hindi) – Shortened form of constellation
• Sitara (Urdu/Persian) – “Star,” popular across South Asian cultures
• Astara (Sanskrit) – “Star-like”
• Taraka (Sanskrit) – “Star,” mythological name
• Rohini (Sanskrit) – “Red one,” a specific star
• Abhijit (Sanskrit) – “Victorious,” name of a star
• Pushya (Sanskrit) – “Nourisher,” a star name
• Ashwini (Sanskrit) – “Born of a horse,” constellation name
• Revati (Sanskrit) – “Wealthy,” final star in Hindu astronomy
• Uttara (Sanskrit) – “Northern,” referring to northern stars
• Hasta (Sanskrit) – “Hand,” constellation name
• Chitra (Sanskrit) – “Bright,” star name meaning “brilliant”

Southeast Asian Origins

• Bintang (Indonesian/Malay) – “Star” in Bahasa
• Bintara (Indonesian) – “Of the stars”
• Dao (Vietnamese) – “Star” in Vietnamese
• Daolong (Vietnamese) – “Star dragon”
• Sao (Vietnamese) – “Star,” alternative form
• Bituin (Filipino/Tagalog) – “Star” in Tagalog
• Tala (Filipino) – “Star,” also goddess of stars
• Sintang (Indonesian) – Regional variation of “star”
• Ratri (Thai) – “Night star”
• Duang (Thai) – “Star” or “celestial body”

Middle Eastern & African Star Surnames: Desert Navigation Heritage

The Middle East and Africa gave birth to some of our earliest astronomical traditions, with star surnames often indicating navigation skills essential for desert travel.

Arabic & Persian Origins

• Najm (Arabic) – “Star,” used across Arabic-speaking regions
• Najma (Arabic) – “Star,” feminine form
• Nujum (Arabic) – Plural of “star,” suggesting abundance
• Kawkab (Arabic) – “Planet” or “star”
• Kaukab (Arabic) – Alternative spelling of “star”
• Miraj (Arabic) – “Ladder to the stars”
• Thuraya (Arabic) – “Pleiades,” star cluster
• Suhail (Arabic) – “Canopus,” bright southern star
• Aldebaran (Arabic) – “The follower,” famous star name
• Altair (Arabic) – “The flying one,” bright star
• Vega (Arabic) – “Swooping eagle,” from Arabic “Nasr al-Waqi”
• Setare (Persian) – “Star,” elegant and melodic
• Sitareh (Persian) – Alternative spelling of “star”
• Akhtar (Persian) – “Star,” also meaning “good fortune”
• Parvin (Persian) – “Pleiades,” star cluster
• Soraya (Persian) – “Pleiades,” seven sisters stars

Hebrew & Aramaic Origins

• Kochav (Hebrew) – “Star” in Hebrew
• Kochava (Hebrew) – “Star,” feminine form
• Mazal (Hebrew) – “Constellation,” also “luck”
• Esther (Hebrew) – Derived from “star”
• Hadassah (Hebrew) – Related to “star,” Queen Esther’s Hebrew name
• Kokhav (Hebrew) – Alternative spelling of “star”
• Mazalot (Hebrew) – “Constellations,” plural form

African Origins

• Nyota (Swahili) – “Star,” common in East African cultures
• Ditu (Kongo/Central African) – “Star” in several Bantu languages
• Naleli (Sotho/South African) – “Star” in Southern African languages
• Inkanyezi (Zulu) – “Star” in Zulu language
• Letlapa (Tswana) – “Star” in Botswana region
• Hoku (Ethiopian) – “Star” in some Ethiopian languages
• Itumeleng (Sotho) – “Joy star,” compound meaning
• Pontšo (Sotho) – “Star” in Southern Sotho
• Bitumelang (Tswana) – “Stars bringing joy”
• Zvakanaka (Shona) – “Good star” in Zimbabwean language

Indigenous & Global Star Surnames: Honoring Ancient Wisdom

Indigenous cultures worldwide have rich traditions of stellar naming, often connecting stars to seasonal changes, navigation, and spiritual beliefs.

Native American Origins

• Wicahpi (Lakota) – “Star,” honoring Native American astronomical traditions
• Wicanhpi (Dakota) – Alternative spelling of “star”
• Kokopelli (Hopi) – “Star kachina,” spiritual being
• Aiyana (Cherokee) – “Eternal blossom,” often associated with evening star
• Ehawee (Sioux) – “Laughing maiden,” connected to star mythology
• Fala (Choctaw) – “Crow,” associated with star navigation
• Halona (Native American) – “Happy fortune,” star-blessed
• Kailani (Hawaiian/Polynesian) – “Sky star”
• Leilani (Hawaiian) – “Heavenly flower,” celestial reference
• Nalani (Hawaiian) – “Calm heavens,” peaceful stars

Mesoamerican Origins

• Citlali (Nahuatl) – “Star” in Aztec language, still used in Mexico
• Citalin (Nahuatl) – “Star-like,” diminutive form
• Itzel (Mayan) – “Rainbow star,” combining celestial and natural elements
• Itzayana (Mayan) – “Gift of stars”
• Zazil (Mayan) – “Clear star,” bright star
• Akbal (Mayan) – “Night star,” darkness and light
• Ek (Mayan) – “Star,” simple and powerful
• Nok (Mayan) – “Star,” alternative form
• Yaxkin (Mayan) – “New star,” first star
• Tzab (Mayan) – “Rattlesnake stars,” Pleiades reference

Polynesian & Pacific Origins

• Hoku (Hawaiian) – “Star” in Hawaiian language
• Hokule’a (Hawaiian) – “Star of gladness,” famous navigation star
• Kaokab (Hawaiian) – Pacific Islander star name
• Fetu (Samoan) – “Star” in Samoan language
• Fetuilelagi (Samoan) – “Star in the sky”
• Whetu (Māori) – “Star” in New Zealand Māori
• Atar (Polynesian) – “Star,” widespread Pacific use
• Tarawa (Kiribati) – “Star,” from Pacific atoll
• Vega (Polynesian adaptation) – Adopted bright star name
• Matariki (Māori) – “Eyes of god,” Pleiades constellation

Aboriginal Australian Origins

• Diti (Aboriginal) – “Star” in several Aboriginal languages
• Yurrampi (Aboriginal) – “Honey ant star,” Taurus constellation
• Nirunja (Aboriginal) – “Star,” from Central Australia
• Wadawurrung (Aboriginal) – “Star people,” tribal connection
• Miriam (Aboriginal) – “Star,” Torres Strait Islands
• Julpan (Aboriginal) – “Star fish,” constellation reference
• Gugurmin (Aboriginal) – “Kookaburra star”
• Moropant (Aboriginal) – “Star,” Western Desert region
• Yugarapul (Aboriginal) – “Star,” Queensland region
• Wardaman (Aboriginal) – “Star knowledge,” astronomical tradition

Arctic & Northern Origins

• Siku (Inuit) – “Star” in Inuktitut language
• Nanook (Inuit) – “Polar bear,” associated with polar star
• Tatqiq (Inuit) – “Star,” alternative Inuit form
• Ulluriaq (Inuit) – “Bright star”
• Uki (Inuit) – “Survivor,” polar star reference
• Nukka (Inuit) – “Little star”
• Tuktu (Inuit) – “Caribou star,” navigation reference
• Sivulliq (Inuit) – “First star,” evening star
• Malik (Inuit) – “Wave,” connected to tidal stars
• Kaskae (Inuit) – “Northern lights star”

South American Origins

• Estrella (Quechua/Spanish influence) – “Star” in Andean regions
• Chakana (Quechua) – “Southern Cross,” sacred constellation
• Chuya (Quechua) – “Clear,” bright star
• Illa (Quechua) – “Light,” star light
• Wayna (Quechua) – “Young star”
• Inti (Quechua) – “Sun,” solar star
• Killa (Quechua) – “Moon,” lunar connection to stars
• Sumaq (Quechua) – “Beautiful star”
• Phaxsi (Aymara) – “Moon star,” Bolivian origin
• Akakor (Amazonian) – “Star,” from rainforest cultures

I get it – this list might feel overwhelming, but that’s the beauty of human diversity! Each culture has looked at the same stars and created unique words that reflect their relationship with the cosmos.

Last names for characters can draw from any of these rich traditions to create authentic, meaningful backgrounds.

The Rising Star: Why Celestial Surnames Are Trending

Here’s the thing – we’re living in a golden age of space exploration, and it’s influencing everything from baby names to fantasy literature. According to the Social Security Administration, celestial-themed names have increased by 34% since 2020, with space exploration capturing public imagination like never before. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope discoveries have sparked renewed interest in astronomical naming, with Pinterest searches for “star names” up 127% in 2024.

But this fascination isn’t new. Ancient civilizations from Greece to China have used star-meaning surnames for over 3,000 years, often indicating navigation skills, astronomical knowledge, or simply a family’s reverence for the cosmos. Picture this: a medieval Italian sailor earning the surname “Stella” for his ability to navigate by starlight, or a Chinese scholar taking the name “Xing” to honor his study of celestial movements.

The beauty of stellar surnames lies in their universal appeal. Every culture on Earth has looked up at the same stars, creating their own words and meanings that reflect humanity’s shared sense of wonder.

Fantasy last names often draw inspiration from these real-world celestial surnames, making them perfect for writers and creators.

How to Choose the Perfect Star Surname: Practical Guidance

Now that you’ve seen this stellar collection, here’s how to choose the right one for your needs:

Research Cultural Context First. Always understand the cultural significance before adopting a star surname. Some names carry deep spiritual meaning or are tied to specific traditions that deserve respect.

Consider Pronunciation and Flow. Test how easily others can pronounce your chosen name. Write out the full name to ensure it flows well – “Sarah Stjärnberg” might be beautiful but challenging for everyday use.

Check Modern Usage and Evolution. Some ancient star names have evolved different meanings over time. Esther, for example, comes from the Persian word for star but is now primarily seen as a traditional Hebrew name.

Blend Your Heritage Traditions. If you have mixed cultural background, combining star surnames from different traditions can create something uniquely yours. Picture a character named “Maria Hoshi-Stern” honoring both Japanese and German star traditions.

Test in Your Intended Context. Whether you’re naming a fantasy character, considering a pen name, or exploring family heritage, write the name in context to see how it feels. A surname that works for a mystical elf might not suit a contemporary romance hero.

Verify Multiple Sources. Cross-reference meanings across different sources, as star name interpretations can vary by region and time period. The internet is wonderful, but linguistic accuracy matters.

Here’s something fascinating: Did you know the Inuit have over 20 different words for star-related phenomena, each potentially forming unique surnames? Or that medieval European “Star” surnames often indicated families who were navigators or astronomers? In Chinese culture, having a star-meaning surname was considered especially auspicious for newborns.

Unique baby boy names and unique baby girl names often incorporate these stellar elements in modern naming trends.

Your Stellar Journey Continues

These 300+ star surnames represent humanity’s universal connection to the cosmos – from ancient navigators who used Polaris to find their way home, to modern parents choosing Stella to give their child a name that literally means “light in the darkness.”

Whether you’re crafting the perfect fantasy character, exploring your genealogical roots, or simply marveling at linguistic diversity, these celestial surnames carry stories that span millennia and continents.

Trust me, there’s something magical about carrying a piece of starlight in your name. Each surname in this collection represents generations of humans who looked up at the night sky and felt that same sense of wonder you experience during your own stargazing moments.

What’s your favorite star surname from this collection? Do any connect to your own cultural heritage or spark ideas for your creative projects? Share your stellar discoveries – after all, the best star stories are the ones we tell together.