35 Baby Names That Mean Star or Celestial

Evidence-based, parent-tested. References guidelines from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.

Informational only, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about your baby's specific needs.

Stars have captivated humanity since the beginning of time. They represent guidance, aspiration, beauty, and the infinite possibilities that await every new life. Naming your baby after a star or celestial body is a way of saying that your child is destined to shine, that they carry a light that will guide others and illuminate the world around them.

Celestial names come from ancient astronomy, mythology, and languages from every continent. Some names refer directly to specific stars or constellations, while others carry the broader meaning of light, sky, or heavenly body. Whether you picture your child as a steadfast North Star or a brilliant shooting star, this collection of 35 celestial names will help you find the perfect match.

📌 Key Takeaway: Star and celestial names blend science, mythology, and poetry into a single beautiful choice. They carry a sense of wonder and aspiration that makes them perfect for parents who dream big for their little ones. The name Luna, meaning “moon,” is one of the most popular celestial names --- read our full guide to the name Luna.

For more cosmic-inspired options, see our lists of baby names meaning light and baby names meaning nature.

Baby looking upward

Boy Names That Mean Star or Celestial

Name	Gender	Origin	Full Meaning
Orion	Boy	Greek	”Meaning uncertain; the hunter constellation”
Sirius	Boy	Greek	”Glowing, scorching; the brightest star in the night sky”
Aster	Boy	Greek	”Star”
Leo	Boy	Latin	”Lion; the constellation Leo”
Castor	Boy	Greek	”One of the twin stars of Gemini; the word also means ‘beaver‘“
Atlas	Boy	Greek	”The Titan who held up the sky”
Sterling	Boy	English	”Possibly ‘little star’; from the name of an old English silver coin”
Altair	Boy	Arabic	”The flyer; the brightest star in Aquila”
Draco	Boy	Latin	”Dragon; the constellation Draco”
Perseus	Boy	Greek	”A hero of Greek myth and a constellation; the meaning is uncertain”
Rigel	Boy	Arabic	”Foot; a bright star in Orion”
Nash	Boy	Arabic / English	”A traditional name for a star in Sagittarius, from Arabic for ‘arrowhead’; also an English surname”
Pollux	Boy	Greek	”One of the twin stars of Gemini; from Greek for ‘very sweet‘“

Girl Names That Mean Star or Celestial

Name	Gender	Origin	Full Meaning
Stella	Girl	Latin	”Star”
Estelle	Girl	French	”Star”
Celeste	Girl	Latin	”Heavenly”
Lyra	Girl	Greek	”Lyre; the constellation Lyra”
Nova	Girl	Latin	”New; a star that suddenly brightens”
Astra	Girl	Greek	”Of the stars”
Seren	Girl	Welsh	”Star”
Cassiopeia	Girl	Greek	”A queen in Greek myth and a constellation”
Vega	Girl	Arabic	”From Arabic for ‘swooping eagle’; the brightest star in Lyra”
Danica	Girl	Slavic	”Morning star”
Esther	Girl	Persian	”Probably ‘star‘“
Citlali	Girl	Nahuatl	”Star”
Hoshi	Girl	Japanese	“‘Star’ when written 星”

More Names That Mean Star or Celestial

Name	Gender	Origin	Full Meaning
Star	Unisex	English	”Star”
Phoenix	Unisex	Greek	”The mythical bird; also a constellation in the southern sky”
Tara	Girl	Sanskrit	”Star”
North	Unisex	English	”North; the North Star has guided travelers for centuries”
Astro	Unisex	Greek	”Star”
Najm	Unisex	Arabic	”Star”
Comet	Unisex	Greek, via English	”From Greek for ‘long-haired star‘“
Zenith	Unisex	Arabic	”The highest point in the sky”
Vesper	Unisex	Latin	”Evening; the evening star”

💡 Tip: Star or Constellation? — Stella, Seren, Tara, and Citlali are simply the word for star in Latin, Welsh, Sanskrit, and Nahuatl. Orion, Lyra, and Leo are constellations, and Sirius, Vega, and Rigel are individual stars you can point to in the night sky.

Stargazing for the Perfect Name

When choosing a celestial name, consider whether you want a name connected to a specific star, constellation, or astronomical concept. Orion and Lyra are constellation names with rich mythological backstories. Stella and Estelle carry the general meaning of star without pointing to a specific one. Nova refers to an astronomical event where a star suddenly becomes much brighter — a beautiful metaphor for a new baby.

Discover more stellar options with our Baby Name Generator or see which celestial names are rising on our Name Trends page.

FAQ

What girl name means star?

Stella is the most classic girl name meaning star, coming directly from Latin. Estelle is the French variation with the same meaning. Seren is a Welsh name meaning star with a gentle, melodic sound. Nova is the Latin word for new, and in astronomy it means a star that suddenly becomes brighter.

What boy name means star?

Orion is the name of one of the most recognizable constellations, although the meaning of the name itself is uncertain. Sirius means glowing and is the name of the brightest star visible from Earth. Altair is an Arabic name meaning the flyer and is the brightest star in the Aquila constellation.

What are names inspired by constellations?

Orion, Lyra, Leo, Cassiopeia, and Draco are all names taken directly from constellations. Perseus is both a mythological hero and a constellation. Castor and Pollux are the twin stars of the Gemini constellation. These names carry both astronomical and mythological significance.

💡 Related Resources: Expecting? Visit our sister site pregnancy.chparenting.com for week-by-week pregnancy guides, prenatal nutrition, and labor preparation.

References

Behind the Name (2026). “Names with Meaning Containing Star.” behindthename.com
BabyCenter (2026). “Celestial Baby Names.” babycenter.com

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health.

Written by

Vega Lin

Founder & Editor — Mother of 2 (Taiwan)

Vega writes Baby Care Guide from the intersection of evidence-based research (AAP, CDC, WHO) and real parenting experience. Holds a Master's in Digital Innovation from Tunghai University. Read more →