50 Celestial Names That Are Too Perfect for Your Little Astronomer

What’s the first thing you picture when you hear the word ‘celestial?’ Is it the twinkling of the stars? The serene glow of the moon? The spiritual shine of the heavens? Or the vast and mysterious midnight sky? 

According to Merriam-Webster, the word ‘celstial’ means ‘of, relating to, or suggesting heaven or divinity,’ and ‘of or relating to the sky or visible heavens.’ It is also linked to the words ‘ethereal’ and ‘otherworldly.’

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about the cosmos (and the celestial bodies that come with it) that really gets my blood pumping. In fact, it has been inspiring wonder and imagination for centuries. 

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Now, imagine capturing a piece of that magic in a name for your little one. It not only sets them apart with a unique and meaningful moniker to show off, but it also connects them to the grandeur of the universe.

They’re beautiful, they’re meaningful, and they carry a sense of wonder, mystery, and timelessness.

Whether you’re inspired by the radiant glow of the name Luna, the fiery spirit of the name Mars, or the enigmatic charm of the name Orion – celestial names can perfectly capture the essence of your little star.

And don’t worry – we’re going to share with you some of our favorite celestial names of all-time. 

Celestial Names Inspired By the Sky

Since ‘celestial names’ can carry a wide range of meanings, we’re going to start off with names inspired by the sky, but not just any sky – we’re specifically talking about the beautiful blue, daytime, sun-lit sky. 

Don’t worry – we’ll get into the dark, nighttime, moon-lit sky a little further down this list. 

Here’s a fun fact: The sky is actually a violet-bluish color, but since our eyes aren’t that sensitive to violet colors, they only pick up the blue light that’s scattered across the sky when sunlight hits the atmosphere.

Looking for a name that resonates with the blue sky? Then you’re going to love these celestial names!

10. Danica

Origin: Slavic

Derivation: The name Danica is derived from the Slavic word “dan,” which means “day.” 

Meaning: Day Star, Morning Star

9. Aethra

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Aethra is derived from the Greek word “Aithra” (Αἴθρα)

Meaning: Bright Sky, Clear Sky

8. Azure

Origin: English, French, Arabic

Derivation: The name Azure is derived from the Old French word “azur,” which in turn comes from the Arabic “lazaward” (lapis lazuli).

Meaning: Sky Blue

7. Skye

Origin: Scottish

Derivation: The name Skye is named after the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Meaning: Sky, Cloud, Adventurous

6. Nuvola

Origin: Italian

Derivation: The name Nuvola is derived from the Italian word “nuvola,” which means “cloud.” 

Meaning: Cloud

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5. Sema

Origin: Turkish, Arabic

Derivation: The name Sema is derived from the Arabic word “sama'” (سماء).

Meaning: Sky, Heaven

4. Sora

Origin: Japanese

Derivation: The name Sora is derived from the Japanese word “sora” (空), meaning “sky.”

Meaning: Sky

3. Skyler

Origin: Dutch, English

Derivation: The name Skyler is derived from the Dutch surname “Schuyler,” which means “scholar.” It’s also used as a variant of the name Sky.

Meaning: Scholar, Sky

2. Cielo

Origin: Italian

Derivation: The name Cielo is the direct translation of “sky” in Italian.

Meaning: Sky, Heaven

1. Lani

Origin: Hawaiian

Derivation: The name Lani is derived from the Hawaiian word “lani,” which means “heaven” or “sky.”

Meaning: Sky, Heaven

Celestial Names Inspired By the Heavens

It wouldn’t be right to talk about the sky without talking about the heavens and what they represent.  

Often described as a transcendent place where divine beings reside, heaven is commonly associated with the afterlife in many religious and spiritual traditions – including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. 

It’s depicted as a realm of eternal peace and communion with the divine, and is often seen as the ultimate destination for souls who led virtuous lives, offering rewards and a state of bliss beyond earthly existence. 

If you like the idea of naming your child after the heavens, then you’ll love these celestial names!

10. Celine

Origin: French, Latin

Derivation: The name Celine is derived from the Latin name “Caelina,” which comes from “caelum,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”

Meaning: Heaven, Sky

9. Kailani

Origin: Hawaiian

Derivation: The name Kailani is derived from “kai,” meaning “sea,” and “lani,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.” 

Meaning: Heavenly Sea

8. Celeste

Origin: Latin, French

Derivation: The name Celeste is derived from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “heavenly” or “celestial.”

Meaning: Heavenly, Celestial

7. Nevaeh

Origin: Modern English

Derivation: The name Nevaeh is literally ‘heaven’ spelled backwards, giving the name a more unique sound. 

Meaning: Heaven

6. Alya

Origin: Arabic, Hebrew

Derivation: The name Alya is derived from the Arabic word “aliyyah” (علياء) and Hebrew word “Alya” (עליה).

Meaning: Sky, Heaven

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5. Angel

Origin: Greek, Latin

Derivation: The name Angel is derived from the Greek word “angelos,” meaning “messenger.” 

Meaning: Messenger, Heavenly Angel

4. Malak

Origin: Arabic

Derivation: The name Malak is derived from the Arabic word for “angel.”

Meaning: Angel

3. Araceli

Origin: Spanish, Latin

Derivation: The name Araceli is derived from the Latin words “ara,” meaning “altar,” and “caeli,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”

Meaning: Altar of the Sky, Altar of Heaven

2. Celia

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Celia is derived from the Roman family name “Caelius,” which is related to “caelum,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”

Meaning: Heaven, Sky

1. Zion

Origin: Hebrew

Derivation: The name Zion refers to the Hebrew word for “highest point” or “monument.” 

Meaning: Highest Point, Heaven

Celestial Names Inspired By Space & Planets

Space – the final frontier. The endless expanse that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. A steady reminder of the boundless possibilities and mysteries that lie beyond our planet – planet Earth. 

For many, space represents the ultimate challenge and a testament to human curiosity and ingenuity. It pushes us to explore, discover, and understand our place in the cosmos – a journey that may never end.

But beyond its scientific and technological significance, space also holds profound philosophical and spiritual meaning – making it the perfect source of inspiration for your little boy or girl’s first name. 

With that said, here are some of our favorite celestial names inspired by planets and space, in general. 

10. Mars

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Luna is named after the Roman god of war. 

Meaning: God of War

Significance: Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system and is often referred to as the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance, which is caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface. It has the tallest volcano (Olympus Mons) and the largest canyon (Valles Marineris) in the solar system.

9. Stella

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Stella is derived directly from the Latin word “stella,” which means “star.”

Meaning: Star

Significance: Stars are massive, luminous spheres of plasma held together by gravity. They are the fundamental building blocks of galaxies and play a crucial role in the cosmos by producing light and heat through nuclear fusion.

8. Nova

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Nova is derived directly from the Latin word “novus,” which means “new.”

Meaning: New

Significance: A nova is a transient astronomical event that causes a sudden brightening of a star. This increase in brightness can make the star appear thousands to millions of times brighter than it normally is, and the brightness can last from a few days to several months.

7. Comet

Origin: Latin, English

Derivation: The name Comet is derived from the Latin word “cometa,” which comes from the Greek “kometes,” meaning “long-haired star.”

Meaning: Long-Haired Star

Significance: A comet is a small Solar System body composed primarily of ice, dust, and rocky material. When a comet approaches the Sun, it heats up and releases gases and dust, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a visible tail. 

6. Ophelia

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Ophelia is derived from the Greek word “ophelos,” meaning “help” or “advantage.”

Meaning: Help, Advantage

Significance: Ophelia is one of the moons of Uranus, discovered in 1986 by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. It is an irregularly shaped moon with a diameter of about 42 kilometers. Ophelia acts as a shepherd moon for Uranus’s Epsilon ring, helping to keep the ring’s particles in place through its gravitational influence.

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5. Titan

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Titan refers to the Titans of Greek mythology, which were viewed as defenders of Earth. 

Meaning: Defender, Giant

Significance: Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and was discovered by the Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens in 1655. It’s also the second-largest moon in the Solar System, larger than the planet Mercury, and has a dense atmosphere composed mostly of nitrogen with traces of methane and other hydrocarbons.

4. Venus

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Venus is named after the brightest star in the sky and the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Meaning: Beauty, Bright Star

Significance: Venus is the second planet from the Sun in our solar system, orbiting at an average distance of about 108 million kilometers (67 million miles). It’s similar in size and structure to Earth, often referred to as Earth’s “sister planet,” and has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide.

3. Rigel

Origin: Arabic

Derivation: The name Rigel is derived from “Rijl Jauzah al Yusra,” meaning “the left leg of the giant.” 

Meaning: Left Leg of the Giant

Significance: Rigel, also designated as Beta Orionis, is located in the constellation Orion. It represents the left foot or knee of the Hunter in the constellation’s traditional depiction. Here’s a fun fact – it’s approximately 860 light-years away from Earth, and is one of the brightest stars in the night sky.

2. Cosmo

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Cosmo is derived from “kosmos,” meaning “order” or “universe.” 

Meaning: Universe, Order, Cosmos

Significance: Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties of the universe as a whole. It involves the examination of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. The concept of the cosmos has been central to philosophical discussions about the nature of reality, the universe, and our place within it.

1. Altair

Origin: Arabic

Derivation: The name Altair is derived from “al-ṭā’ir,” meaning “the flying one.”

Meaning: The Flying One

Significance: Altair, also known as Alpha Aquilae, is the brightest star in the constellation Aquila (the Eagle). It’s located about 16.7 light-years away from Earth, making it one of the closest bright stars to our solar system, and has an apparent magnitude of 0.76, making it one of the brightest stars visible in the night sky.

Celestial Names Inspired By Astrology & Constellations

Astrology is an ancient practice that studies the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies – such as stars, planets, and the moon – and their influence on human affairs and natural phenomena.

Constellations are groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognizes 88 constellations in the sky, each with a unique pattern. 

If you’re a fan of the cosmos and the vast mysteries that come with it, then naming your baby after their astrology sign or a constellation in the night sky can be a great way to give your baby a unique name. 

Don’t worry – here are 10 prime examples of celestial names inspired by astrology and constellations!

10. Andromeda

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Andromeda is named after the princess in Greek mythology who was saved by Perseus.

Significance: Andromeda is a constellation in the northern sky named after a princess in Greek mythology. It contains several notable fixed stars, such as Alpheratz (Alpha Andromedae) and Mirach (Beta Andromedae), and is situated near the constellations of Perseus and Cassiopeia in the sky.

9. Orion

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Orion is named after the legendary hunter in Greek mythology. 

Significance: Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky and has a rich mythological and astrological significance. It boasts several notable stars, including Betelgeuse, a red supergiant marking Orion’s shoulder, and Rigel, a bright blue supergiant at his foot. 

8. Leo

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Leo is derived from the Latin word “leo,” which means “lion.” 

Significance: Leo is a prominent zodiac constellation, easily identifiable due to its distinct shape, which resembles a lion lying down. Located in the northern celestial hemisphere, Leo is one of the oldest recognized constellations, with its roots tracing back to ancient Mesopotamian astronomy and Greek mythology.

7. Lyra

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Lyra is derived from the word “lyre,” a stringed musical instrument. 

Significance: The Lyra constellation is a small yet prominent constellation in the northern hemisphere, best known for containing the bright star Vega, which is one of the most luminous stars in the night sky and part of the Summer Triangle asterism. Its name is derived from the lyre, a musical instrument, and in Greek mythology, it is associated with the musician Orpheus.

6. Aquila

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Aquila is derived from the Latin word “aquila,” which means “eagle.”

Significance: The Aquila constellation, representing the eagle in Latin, is a striking constellation located in the celestial equator’s region, making it visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is most famous for its principal star, Altair, which forms part of the Summer Triangle asterism along with Vega in Lyra and Deneb in Cygnus. 

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5. Cygnus

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Cygnus is derived from the Latin word “cygnus,” which means “swan.”

Significance: The Cygnus constellation, also known as the Swan, is a prominent and easily recognizable constellation in the northern sky. It is known for its distinctive cross shape, often referred to as the Northern Cross. Cygnus is rich in astronomical features, including the bright star Deneb, which is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle asterism, along with Vega in Lyra and Altair in Aquila. 

4. Canis

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Canis is derived from the Latin word “canis,” which means “dog.” 

Significance: The Canis Major constellation, meaning “Greater Dog” in Latin, is a prominent constellation in the southern sky. It is best known for containing Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, often referred to as the “Dog Star.” In Greek mythology, Canis Major represents one of the hunting dogs of Orion, the great hunter. There’s also a Canis Minor constellation.

3. Perseus

Origin: Greek

Derivation: The name Perseus is named after the hero in Greek mythology who slew Medusa. 

Significance: The Perseus constellation, named after the Greek mythological hero Perseus, is a prominent constellation in the northern sky. It is best known for its association with the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks every August, and for containing several notable deep-sky objects and stars. 

2. Vela

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Vela is derived from the Latin word “vela,” which means “sails.”

Significance: The Vela constellation, named after the sails of a ship in Latin, is located in the southern sky and was originally part of the larger constellation Argo Navis, representing the ship of Jason and the Argonauts. Vela is rich in deep-sky objects and bright stars, with its most notable feature being the Vela Supernova Remnant, a vast nebula created by a supernova explosion approximately 11,000 years ago. 

1. Pavo

Origin: Latin

Derivation: The name Pavo is derived from the Latin word “pavo,” which means “peacock.”

Significance: The Pavo constellation, Latin for “peacock,” is a small but striking constellation in the southern sky. It is named after the peacock, a bird known for its vibrant and iridescent plumage. Pavo was one of the twelve constellations created by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius from the observations of Dutch navigators in the late 16th century. 

Celestial Names Inspired By Mythology & Deities

There’s no better source of inspiration for a baby name than the mythological gods and goddesses that helped create this beautiful world we’re living in – and there are so many exciting options to choose from. 

From the mighty powerful Greek gods who ruled the heavens to the enchanting deities of Roman, Hindu, and Norse mythology, celestial names offer a unique and fresh blend of strength, beauty, and mystery. 

Names like Apollo, Selene, Thor, and Juno not only evoke images of the stars and planets, but they embody qualities of courage, wisdom, and grace – giving your child a solid foundation to grow up with. 

With that said, here are some of our favorite celestial names inspired by gods, goddesses, and legends.

10. Zeus

Origin: Greek

Meaning: King of Gods

Mythology: Zeus is the king of the gods in Greek mythology, known for his supreme authority and power. He rules over Mount Olympus, where the gods reside, and controls the sky and thunder. As the son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, Zeus led the rebellion against his father and the other Titans, ultimately overthrowing them and establishing a new order. 

9. Helios

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Sun God

Mythology: Helios is a significant figure in Greek mythology, known as the personification of the sun. He is the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and the brother of Selene (the moon) and Eos (the dawn). Helios is often depicted as a handsome god with a radiant crown, driving a golden chariot pulled by four horses across the sky each day from east to west, bringing daylight to the earth. 

8. Selene

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Moon Goddess

Mythology: Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon, known for her serene and luminous beauty. She is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and the sister of Helios (the sun) and Eos (the dawn). Selene is often depicted as a radiant goddess driving a silver chariot drawn by two horses or oxen across the night sky, bringing light to the darkness. 

7. Juno

Origin: Latin, Roman

Meaning: Queen of Gods

Mythology: Juno is a prominent deity in Roman mythology, revered as the queen of the gods and the goddess of marriage, childbirth, and women. She is the wife and sister of Jupiter (the Roman equivalent of Zeus) and is part of the Capitoline Triad, alongside Jupiter and Minerva. 

6. Luna

Origin: Roman

Meaning: Moon Goddess

Mythology: Luna is the Roman goddess of the moon, embodying the divine aspects of the lunar cycle and its influence over the night. She is often depicted as a serene and ethereal figure driving a chariot drawn by two horses or oxen across the night sky. Luna is the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Selene and shares many attributes with her.

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5. Thor

Origin: Norse

Meaning: God of Thunder, Lightning, and Storms

Mythology: Thor is a central figure in Norse mythology, renowned as the god of thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing and fertility. He is the son of Odin, the chief of the gods, and Fjörgyn, a personification of the earth. Thor is best known for wielding Mjölnir, his powerful and magical hammer.

4. Máni

Origin: Norse

Meaning: Moon God

Mythology: Máni is a figure in Norse mythology who personifies the moon. He is depicted as a male deity who traverses the night sky in a chariot pulled by horses, bringing the light of the moon to the world. Máni is the brother of Sól, the sun goddess, and together they are responsible for the cycles of day and night.

3. Anu

Origin: Sumerian, Mesotopian

Meaning: Sky God

Mythology: Anu is a major deity in Mesopotamian mythology, particularly within the Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian pantheons. He is regarded as the god of the sky and the supreme deity, ruling over the heavens and commanding the divine realm. Anu is often depicted as the father of gods and humans.

2. Indra

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindu

Meaning: God of Rain and Thunderstorms

Mythology: Indra is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology, known as the king of the gods and the god of thunderstorms, rain, and war. He is one of the principal gods of the Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedic texts, where he is depicted as a powerful and heroic figure. Indra wields a thunderbolt called Vajra, which he uses to combat demons and forces of chaos.

1. Chandra

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindu

Meaning: Moon God

Mythology: Chandra, also known as Soma, is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, representing the moon and associated with the night, fertility, and medicinal plants. He is often depicted as a beautiful and youthful figure, riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope, traversing the night sky. 

Celestial Names: So Good They’re Practically Written in the Stars

I don’t know about you, but celestial names are some of my favorite baby names of all time. Not only do they give your kid a unique moniker to identify with, but it’ll act as a source of inspiration as they grow up.

At the same time, we understand that not all parents are going to take a liking to celestial names – and that’s okay. Sometimes, it’s just not written in the stars, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

If none of those celestial names above had that ‘wow’ factor, then don’t worry – there’s plenty more where that came from, and you can find thousands of more unique baby name ideas at our Mamas Uncut blog. 

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As you embark on this special journey, we hope you find a name that not only resonates with you but also captures the essence of your little one. If that happens to be a celestial name, then we hope we helped!