Names that mean star celebrate the radiance of the night sky and its celestial bodies. You might think that there are a ton of baby names that mean star but there are actually just a handful of established options from around the world. While these appellations are rare in general, there are only a select few for boys! In the US, the most popular names that mean star today are Stella, Esther, and Star itself.
Star baby names are special and chances are that’s exactly the reason why you are interested in them in the first place. Your little one shines so brightly that they deserve a name that matches their radiance! If you would like to learn all of the best names that mean star from around the world, take a look at our picks for some inspired options!
Astra
Astra is a girl’s name of Latin origin meaning “stars.” Despite its accessible sound and familiarity, Astra has never been a popular choice as a given name for girls in the US. Parents, you know what to do!
Estelle
Estelle is the French form of the Latin word stella which means “star.” While we totally endorse you naming your girl Stella, we thought the name Estelle was a bit more off the beaten path. You will find that most names that mean star are.
Roxana
A little more romantic than Roxanne, Roxana means “little star” or “dawn.” It’s a Persian name that belonged to the wife of Alexander the Great. A beautiful name for any parent who’s always wanted to call their daughter “Roxy.”
Vesper
The name Vesper comes from Latin and means “evening star.” It’s a mysterious and fun name for girls. Evening prayers are often called vespers in Catholic practices. For a name that connotes mystery, contemplation, and stars, Vesper is a winner.
Danica
Danica is a name of Slavic origin that is associated with Diana or Venus. The name means “morning star.” We love that this name sounds balanced, both feminine and straightforward. The name has been a mildly popular choice in the US ever since the 1970s but it has so much more potential.
Seren
Seren is a top girls’ name in Wales – and a lovely choice almost unknown elsewhere. Seren, in the Sirona form, was an ancient goddess of the hot springs. This name is found in both Welsh and Turkish traditions as a name meaning “star” or “sail mast.” Let’s bring this Welsh hit to the US!
Desdemona
Is Desdemona too much of a name for a baby girl to shoulder today? That’s up to you! it is one of the names that mean star but it’s not the happiest association. The name is of Greek origin with a root that means “ill-starred.” Desdemona is a Shakespearean name, but because the beautiful and innocent wife of Othello came to such a tragic end, her name has been avoided for centuries. We think it’s time for a revisit!
Yvaine and Yvain
Yvaine is a unisex name (more commonly spelled Yvain for boys) that is of Scottish origin and means “evening star.” Yvaine is considered the more feminine form of the two but if you are interested in Yvain as a boy’s name the name belonged to a Knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend.
Tana
Tana is a girl’s name of Greek origin meaning “fire or star goddess.” The correct pronunciation of this appellation rhymes with Hannah. The name was once a favored choice among new parents in the US from the 1940s through the 1980s. It has since fallen off completely. It’s one of the best names that mean star that parents are not using today.
Calytrix
Calytrix, pronounced CALL-uh-trix, has the potential to throw some folks but we do not think it is a dealbreaker. The name is of Greek origin as a botanical name meaning “star-flower.” The Calytrix flower is native to much of Australia and is part of the myrtle family. They are commonly known as star flowers, because of their dainty 5 petalled flowers that are usually bright white in color.
Hesper
If Vesper didn’t do it for you, perhaps Hesper will. Hesper is a girl’s name meaning “evening star.” It is a feminine form of Hesperus, the name of the Greek mythological personification of the Evening Star. This name has never been popular in the US.
Hoshi
Hoshi is a traditional Japanese name for girls that means “star.” Despite this name’s inviting sound that is completely accessible it has never been widely given as a name for baby girls in the US.
Tarabai
Pronounced ta-rab-eye, Tarabai is an Indian appellation with serious feminist clout. Tarabai Bhosale was a 17th-century Maratha queen who was a skilled military leader and successfully resisted the Mughal empire on behalf of her people. Centuries later the name belonged to Tarabai Shinde who is often regarded as the writer of India’s first feminist text. Even the name’s meaning touts this, “feminine star.” Bravo!
Itri
There are very few boy names that mean star. In fact, most of them on this list are unisex options! So it is very rare to find Itri, a name for boys that means “star.” It is of Berber origin and is virtually unknown in the US. Let’s hope that changes!
Izar
Izar is a unisex name of Basque origin that means “star.” As we just mentioned, there are not many names that mean star for boys but this unisex option can work for any baby. In Europe, where the name is far more popular, it is more often given to baby girls than boys.
RELATED: 40 Space Names That Are Out of This World
Realtin
Pronounced RAYL-teen, Realtin could prove a bit of a challenge. It’s not one of the most accessible names that mean star but it is one of the options for parents who also want an Irish name for their daughter. Realtin means “little star.” We’re not sure if this name will ever cross the pond but it’s an interesting option to consider.
Sidra
Sidra is a girl’s name of Latin origin meaning “like a star.” It’s one of the multicultural names that mean star but only in its Latin translation. The name is also found in Arabic and Hebrew with the meaning “lotus tree” and “sequence.” It’s one of our favorite girl names that mean star on this list and we hope more US parents discover it!
Zorya
Zorya is the name of the two star goddess in Slavic mythology: Zorya Utrennyaya and Zorya Vechernyaya. The first refers to the morning star and the second, the evening stars. The name is used often in Russia and anywhere Slavic languages are spoken. It simply means “star.”
Etoile
Those without a French background might stumble over the pronunciation of Etoile, the French word for star. If you are looking for French names that mean star, this could be the very best option for your baby girl.
Maristela
Maristela is one of the many names for the Virgin Mary. The appellation is popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking communities. The name is of Latin origin and means “star of the sea.” It’s the best of Mary and Stella all in one name!
Namid
One of the few boy names that mean star, Namid is of Native-American, Ojibwa origin and means “star dancer.” Does that take the cake as the best meaning among these names that mean star? We think that’s very much possible but you get to be the judge.
Rasalas
A virtually unknown Arabic name in the US, Rasalas has the colorful meaning, “the northern star of the lion’s head.” If you think this name might be related to the constellation Leo, you would be correct! Rasalas is the name of a star in the constellation Leo. Again, this is one of the very few boy names that mean star.
Tarak
Tarak is a boy’s name of Sanskrit origin that means “star” and “protector.” Tarak has a sci-fi sound to it but it’s still easy enough for most English speakers to access it. The name has never been a popular one in the US and we desperately hope that changes in the coming years.
Este
Pronounced es-tay, Este is a Persian diminutive form of the name Esther. Both are names that mean star. We like this express version of the name which is the perfect alternative to Esme. Despite this name being relatively unknown in the US it does belong to Este Arielle Haim one of the members of the band Haim.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 25 Space-tacular Sci-Fi Baby Names for Girls
Aster
Aster is a unisex English name that means “star.” The name of the Aster flower, named by the English, was derived from the Greek word for star. This is a beautiful botanical meets celestial name that brings the best of both worlds together in a single name!
There you go! We hope you enjoyed these names that mean star. You would think there would be more out there but it’s a very unique name meaning that not many appellations can claim. If you liked these names that mean star, we urge you to keep reading for names that mean moon!
Reach for the Sky with These Marvelous Names Meaning Moon!
Nikini
The Sinhalese name, Nikini, from Sri Lanka might look like the word “bikini” to you, but this name sounds more “Nick in me.” So, NIK-inn-ie is the correct pronunciation which might throw some folks off! However, Nikini means “full moon in August.”
Melinoe
Pronounced, meh-LIN-oh-ee, Melinoe is a curious name that means “color of quince.” According to Nameberry, Melinoe in Greek mythology is a moon goddess related to Hecate. She was thought to bring nightmares and illness, hence the name’s meaning. The yellowish-green color of quince fruit was a symbol of sickness. A slightly dark origin story for this name, but a moon goddess name nonetheless.
Larissa
Another name from Greek mythology, Larissa means “citadel.” According to myth, Larissa was a nymph fathered by Pegasus. In 1991, the name was applied to a moon of Neptune. So, it can be considered among the other names meaning moon on our list.
Esmeray
Pronounced, ESS-mer-eye, the Turkish name Esmeray means “dark moon.” If you’re after a name for girls with the most mysterious of meanings, this appellation will be perfect for you!
Hecate
We mentioned Hecate earlier and now we’d like to tell you more about this Greek moon goddess. She is considered a goddess of witchcraft, night, and ghosts. A somewhat creepy figure in ancient myth, Hecate would make for a notable baby name today.
Ariel
Ariel comes from the same Hebrew root as Ari and means “lion of God.” While not expressly one of the names meaning moon, Ariel names on of the major moons of Uranus.
Amaris
A cross-cultural name found in use in many languages, Amaris is considered to mean “promised by God,” in Hebrew tradition and “child of the moon” in Spanish. Other possible meaning of this name include “grace,” “tribe,” and “immortal.”
Bader
In German, Bader is considered a name for boys that means “barber.” But, in Arabic tradition, Bader is a name for girls meaning “full moon.”
Badru
A popular Egyptian name for boys, Badru, grew so beloved over the years that it is now also widely used for baby girls as well. Badru means “born during the full moon.”
Diana
The Roman deity Diana is the goddess of the moon and hunting. This Latin name means “divine.” Although Diana is the goddess of the hunt she is still considered a protecter of wildlife.
Artemis
This name was used exclusively as a name for girls until modernity when it now is being given to both boys and girls today. Artemis is essentially the precursor for Diana and is also the goddess of the moon and hunting. The name means “butcher,” but that’s not stopping parents from choosing it. It landed in the US top 1000 most popular names for girls for the first time in 2020.
Keep Reading to Learn About Even More Names Meaning Moon!
Titan
The name of Saturn’s largest moon that has the potential to sustain human life, Titan would make for a distinctive choice for a baby boy. In fact, parents have propelled the name to popularity and it’s been widely favored over the last decade. Titan means “defender.”
Apollo
Son of Zeus, Apollo is the Greek god of music, medicine, and poetry. Apollo’s Greek root means “destroyer.” As all moon fans know, Apollo 11 became the first manned mission to land on the moon.
Io
The astronomer Simon Marius named the largest moon of Jupiter Io in 1614. The name was adopted from the Greek myth in which Io names a princess who was taken by Zeus. She turns into a cow to escape him. Io means “moon of Jupiter” today.
Monday
The English name Monday comes from Old English mona dæg or Mōnandæg which translates to “moon’s day” or “day of the moon.” That’s enough to make you love Mondays! We think Monday makes for a unique name with plenty of character.
RELATED: 40 Space Names That Are Out of This World
Luna
What would a list of names meaning moon be without the mega-popular appellation Luna? Luna originates in Latin and means “moon.” The name was given to a Roman goddess of the moon. Luna is one of the most popular names for girls in the US today!
Selene
One of the prettiest Greek goddess names, Selene comes from a Greek word related to “light” and means “moon goddess.” According to myth, Helios the sun god is the brother of Selene.
Jericho
Jericho names an ancient Palestinian city that is mentioned in the Bible. It comes from Hebrew roots that mean “moon.” This name has traditionally been given to boys but it can go to girls as well!
Aylin
The Turkish name for girls Aylin means “moon halo.” It’s top 500 name in the US today! We imagine it’s one of the most romantic names meaning moon on this list. Moon halo? Fabulous!
Jacira
Jacira is a baby name for girls from Brazil, according to ScaryMommy. The name comes from the indigenous Tupi people and means “moon honey.” Is this the best name for your honeymoon baby? You bet!
Elara
One of the most beautiful names meaning moon, Elara likely comes from the same Greek word that gives us areal. Elara names one of the moons of Jupiter.
Mahina
Mahina comes from Hawaiian mythology and names a moon goddess who escaped to the moon after her beauty made her irresistible on Earth. This is one of the most colorful names meaning moon on this list!
Chandra
Name to an X-ray observatory and telescope, Chandra has Sanskrit origins and is a Hindu Moon-god. This name is used for both boys and girls but thanks to its “a” ending, it predominately goes to girls in the west.
Deva
Another Hindu moon deity, Deva also comes from Sanskrit origin. The name means “radiance” or simply, “moon goddess.” We imagine this divine name would be thoroughly enjoyed by parents in the US today.
Mona
Mona is an Irish Gaelic name that means “noble good” or an Italian shortened form of Madonna, meaning “my lady.” The name also has roots in the same Old English word for “moon” that gives us the name Monday.
Qamar
Pronounced kah-MAR, Qamar is a delightful name for boys from Arabic that means “moon.” Qamar’s got the lovable qualities of Omar but it’s far rarer in the US today.
Learn Even More Names Meaning Moon
Chandni
Another one of the names meaning moon, Chandni is widely used for girls in India and South Asia today. We think it sounds fashionable and charming!
Koray
An absolutely gorgeous Turkish name for boys, Koray means “ember moon.” The name, with its poetic meaning, is extremely popular in Turkey and Germany today!
Luan
A name traditionally given to little boys, we feel that Luan could work well for girls as well. The Polynesian roots of the name mean “moon.” However, you will found an identical name in Albanian that means “lion.” In Gaelic, the name means “hound.”
Celimene
Celimene is a heavenly name for girls adopted into French from Latin and ultimately Greek before that. The name means “heavenly strength” or “moon.” The name is most familiar to most Americans as it appeared in the French comedy of manners, Le Misanthrope ou l’Atrabilaire amoureux, or The Misanthrope, or the Cantankerous Lover. Her character really loved to talk behind people’s backs but don’t let that stop you!
Altalune
According to Nameberry, the name Altalune is an invented name comprised of Latin roots that mean “over the moon.” Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson created the name and used it as a middle name for their daughter.
Phoebe
In Greek mythology, Phoebe is another name for Artemis a goddess of the moon we already shared with you. The name means “shining one.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 25 Space-tacular Sci-Fi Baby Names for Girls
Ayla
Ayla is an increasingly popular name in the US today and it’s tracking to crack the US top 100 by 2022. The name can be found in Hebrew and Turkish meaning “oak tree,” “halo,” and “moonlight.” Who could be mad at any of that? It’s one of the fastest-rising names meaning moon today. Look out, Luna!
There you go! We hope you learned more names meaning moon than when you started this list and that you will consider using one of these gorgeous appellations from around the world for your baby! Baby names meaning moon offer such much warmth and poetry. Shine on!
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.
Baby Name Generator
No baby name sounding good? Want a quick way to generate unique baby name ideas? Try our baby name generator below!
Set your terms (sex of the baby, number of letters, popularity, etc.) and then get a list of names that meet your criteria. Maybe the perfect name is just waiting to be generated for you.