According to Merriam-Webster, the word ‘ethereal’ has several meanings – two of the most prominent being ‘of or relating to the regions beyond the earth’ and ‘marked by unusual delicacy or refinement.’
It’s often associated with the words ‘celestial,’ ‘heavenly,’ ‘unworldly,’ and ‘spiritual,’ and is also used to describe ‘something that’s extremely delicate, light, or airy in a way that seems too perfect for our world.’
With that said, it’s no surprise to see so many parents giving their children ethereal names – after all, kids (especially newborn babies) are often described as extremely delicate, light, and too perfect for this world.
RELATED: 123 Fairy-Like Ethereal Names from A to Z
Whether they’re inspired by celestial bodies, the heavens above, magical fairytales, or they simply have an otherworldly sound to them – ethereal names can help you capture the essence of wonder and grace.
Ethereal Names That Are Out of This World: Baby Boy Edition
Do you have a baby boy on the way? Are you and your significant other having a hard time agreeing on a name for your little guy? Do you want your child’s name to have a magical, heavenly, or delicate sound?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place!
The thing we love most about ethereal names for boys is that they offer a sense of individuality and distinction – making it both a conversation starter and a source of personal pride as the child grows.
If that’s the type of name you want for your son, then you’ll get a kick out of these ethereal names!
10. Rhydian
Origin: Rhydian is of Welsh origin.
Derivation: The name Rhydian is derived from the Welsh word “rhyd,” meaning “ford” (a shallow place in a river where one can cross).
Other Similar Names: Rhys, Rowan, Roderick, Ridley, Rhett, Rylan, Ryder.
9. Lysandr
Origin: Lysandr is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Lysandr is derived from the Greek name “Lysandros,” which means “liberator of men.”
Other Similar Names: Alexander, Lysander, Leander, Leonard, Leon, Leo, Leonidas.
8. Mordechai
Origin: Mordechai is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Mordechai is derived from the Hebrew name “Mordekhay,” which is thought to be related to the Babylonian god Marduk.
Other Similar Names: Marius, Matthias, Malachi, Micah, Moses, Melchior, Markus.
7. Caspian
Origin: Caspian is of English origin, inspired by the Caspian Sea.
Derivation: The name Caspian is derived from the Caspian Sea, which is named after the ancient Caspi people.
Other Similar Names: Cassius, Cassian, Cassiel, Caden, Calvin, Cedric, Caius.
6. Oberon
Origin: Oberon is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Oberon is derived from the Germanic name “Auberon,” meaning “noble” or “bearlike.”
Other Similar Names: Orlando, Othello, Orion, Odysseus, Osiris, Octavian, Orson.
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5. Finnian
Origin: Finnian is of Irish origin.
Derivation: The name Finnian is derived from the Gaelic name “Fionán,” meaning “little fair one.”
Other Similar Names: Finley, Finnegan, Finn, Fintan, Flynn, Fergus, Faelan.
4. Endymion
Origin: Endymion is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Endymion is derived from Greek mythology, where Endymion was a handsome shepherd loved by the moon goddess Selene.
Other Similar Names: Elias, Evander, Elian, Emrys, Eryx, Eleutherios, Elyon.
3. Aldwyn
Origin: Aldwyn is of Old English origin.
Derivation: The name Aldwyn is derived from Old English elements “ald,” meaning “old,” and “wine,” meaning “friend.”
Other Similar Names: Alaric, Alwin, Alvin, Audwin, Ealdred, Edwin, Eldwin.
2. Alaric
Origin: Alaric is of Germanic origin.
Derivation: The name Alaric is derived from the Germanic elements “ala,” meaning “all,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler” or “king.”
Other Similar Names: Aldric, Aric, Ulric, Ansel, Armand, Ambrose, Alistair.
1. Balthazar
Origin: Balthazar is of Akkadian origin.
Derivation: The name Balthazar is derived from the Akkadian “Bel-shar-uzur,” meaning “Baal protect the king.”
Other Similar Names: Bartholomew, Benedict, Barnabas, Benjamin, Baltasar, Basil, Blaise.
Ethereal Names That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet: Baby Girl Edition
Are you about to give birth to a beautiful baby girl? Are you having a hard time finding the perfect name for your daughter? Do you want a girl’s name that resembles delicate beauty, purity, and elegance?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
Ethereal names are especially well-suited for girls because they carry a soft, melodic quality that feels gentle yet powerful, creating an enchanting aura that perfectly complements the spirit of femininity.
If that’s the type of name you want for your daughter, these ethereal names will sweep you off your feet!
10. Aveline
Origin: Aveline is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Aveline is derived from the Norman French name “Avelina,” a diminutive of “Ava.”
Other Similar Names: Adeline, Eveline, Avaleigh, Evelina, Arlene, Avelina, Adelaide.
9. Celestina
Origin: Celestina is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Celestina is derived from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “heavenly” or “of the sky.”
Other Similar Names: Celeste, Serena, Seraphina, Selene, Celine, Cecilia, Chiara.
8. Evangeline
Origin: Evangeline is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Evangeline is derived from the Greek word “euangelion,” meaning “good news.”
Other Similar Names: Angelina, Emmeline, Angeline, Evelina, Genevieve, Eveline, Eliana.
7. Isidora
Origin: Isidora is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Isidora is derived from the Greek name “Isidoros,” meaning “gift of Isis.”
Other Similar Names: Isolde, Ismene, Isabeau, Isabella, Isolde, Isis, Idalia.
6. Ophelia
Origin: Ophelia is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Ophelia is derived from the Greek word “ophelos,” meaning “help” or “benefit.”
Other Similar Names: Olivia, Octavia, Olympia, Orphea, Odelia, Odette, Orla.
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5. Aurelia
Origin: Aurelia is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Aurelia is derived from the Latin word “aureus,” meaning “golden.”
Other Similar Names: Aurora, Auria, Aurea, Ariella, Amara, Adora, Aria.
4. Seraphina
Origin: Seraphina is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Seraphina is derived from the Hebrew word “seraphim,” referring to an order of angels.
Other Similar Names: Seraphine, Sophia, Selena, Sabrina, Sienna, Solana, Samara.
3. Elowen
Origin: Elowen is of Cornish origin.
Derivation: The name Elowen is derived from the Cornish word “elwen,” meaning “elm tree.”
Other Similar Names: Eloise, Elara, Ellery, Eleanor, Eliana, Elora, Eleri.
2. Maurella
Origin: Maurella is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Maurella is derived from the Latin word “maurus,” meaning “dark-skinned” or “Moorish.”
Other Similar Names: Marcella, Mirella, Mariella, Mireille, Michaela, Marilla, Marisol.
1. Theodosia
Origin: Theodosia is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Theodosia is derived from the Greek words “theos,” meaning “God,” and “dosis,” meaning “giving.”
Other Similar Names: Dorothea, Theodora, Theresa, Thalia, Tatiana, Thais, Thessaly.
Space-Inspired Ethereal Names for Your Tiny Astronomer
If you’re captivated by the mysteries of the cosmos, choosing a name inspired by the stars, planets, and celestial phenomena can be a perfect way to instill a sense of wonder and adventure in your little one.
And that’s where ethereal names (also known as celestial names) come into play.
Whether it’s the brilliance of a star like Vega, the elegance of a moon like Callisto, or the mystical allure of a galaxy like Andromeda, we absolutely love and support the idea of using space-related ethereal names.
If you can say the same, then you’ll fall in love with these ethereal names we picked out just for you!
10. Orion
Origin: Orion is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Orion is derived from Greek mythology, where Orion was a giant huntsman whom Zeus placed among the stars.
Other Similar Names: Orson, Odysseus, Octavian, Otto, Oberon, Oren, Osiris.
9. Cosmo
Origin: Cosmo is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Cosmo is derived from the Greek word “kosmos,” meaning “order” or “universe.”
Other Similar Names: Cassius, Cyrus, Caelum, Cairo, Cillian, Cedric, Crispin.
8. Luna
Origin: Luna is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Luna is derived from the Latin word for “moon.”
Other Similar Names: Lyra, Lila, Lucia, Liora, Leah, Lara, Leda.
7. Nova
Origin: Nova is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Nova is derived from the Latin word “novus,” meaning “new.” It can also refer to a star showing a sudden large increase in brightness and then slowly returning to its original state over a few months.
Other Similar Names: Neva, Nola, Naya, Niva, Nera, Nell, Nyra.
6. Andromeda
Origin: Andromeda is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Andromeda is derived from Greek mythology, where Andromeda was an Ethiopian princess rescued by Perseus. It’s also the name of the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way and is a constellation named after the Ethiopian princess.
Other Similar Names: Athena, Artemisia, Alexandra, Ariadne, Athenais, Antigone, Anastasia.
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5. Aurora
Origin: Aurora is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Aurora is derived from the Latin word for “dawn.” It can also refer to the ‘aurora borealis,’ also known as the ‘Northern Lights.’
Other Similar Names: Aurelia, Aurore, Aureliana, Aria, Amara, Amira, Azura.
4. Comet
Origin: Comet is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Comet is derived from the English word for a celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust.
Other Similar Names: Cosmo, Celeste, Orion, Astra, Nova, Starla, Apollo.
3. Halley
Origin: Halley is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Halley is derived from the Old English words “heg,” meaning “hay,” and “leah,” meaning “clearing.” It can also refer to Halley’s Comet, which is a famous comet that returns to Earth’s vicinity every 75 years or so.
Other Similar Names: Hayden, Harlow, Harley, Hallie, Hazel, Hadley, Harmony.
2. Zenith
Origin: Zenith is of Arabic origin.
Derivation: The name Zenith is derived from the Arabic word “samt,” meaning “path” or “way.” In astronomy, it describes the highest point in an arc traveled by a star or a planet or another celestial body.
Other Similar Names: Zephyr, Zane, Zina, Zara, Zora, Zella, Zaira.
1. Sirius
Origin: Sirius is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Sirius is derived from the Greek word “seirios,” meaning “glowing” or “scorching.” It’s also the name of a star in the constellation Canis Major and is the brightest star in the night sky.
Other Similar Names: Soren, Silas, Silvan, Sylvan, Sol, Selene, Sky.
Heavenly Ethereal Names for Your Little Angel
Welcoming a new baby feels like welcoming a little piece of heaven into your life. In fact, that’s why we’re not surprised to see so many parents wanting to reflect this celestial connection in their child’s first name.
And it’s probably why ethereal names are so darn popular today!
For example, heavenly names such as Seraphina, Celeste, or Gabriel hold deep meanings rooted in spirituality, mythology, or the celestial realm – making them an enchanting choice for your little angel.
If that’s the type of name you want for your little angel, then we think you’ll like these ethereal names!
10. Angelica
Origin: Angelica is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Angelica is derived from the Latin word “angelicus,” meaning “angelic.”
Other Similar Names: Angelina, Angela, Angelique, Anabella, Annika, Aria, Alethea.
9. Nevaeh
Origin: Nevaeh is of modern American origin.
Derivation: The name Nevaeh is derived from the word “heaven” spelled backward.
Other Similar Names: Heaven, Haven, Nirvana, Nova, Naya, Nadia, Nyla.
8. Sky
Origin: Sky is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Sky is derived from the English word for the upper atmosphere.
Other Similar Names: Skye, Star, Storm, Sage, Soleil, Serena, Sierra.
7. Anahera
Origin: Anahera is of Maori origin.
Derivation: The name Anahera means “angel” in Maori.
Other Similar Names: Ariana, Aroha, Anneliese, Anara, Amara, Aria, Ailani.
6. Fereshteh
Origin: Fereshteh is of Persian origin.
Derivation: The name Fereshteh means “angel” in Persian.
Other Similar Names: Farah, Farzana, Firoza, Freya, Fatima, Farideh, Felicia.
RELATED: 25 of the Most Heavenly, Sacred, Biblical, & Ethereal Names in the World Today
5. Celio
Origin: Celio is of Italian origin.
Derivation: The name Celio is derived from the Latin word “caelum,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”
Other Similar Names: Cielo, Cillian, Cael, Celestino, Cyrus, Cedric, Cassian.
4. Zion
Origin: Zion is of Hebrew origin.
Derivation: The name Zion is derived from the Hebrew word “Tzion,” which refers to a hill in Jerusalem and symbolizes the holy city.
Other Similar Names: Zane, Zaire, Zeke, Zander, Zev, Zavier, Zahir.
3. Alya
Origin: Alya is of Arabic, Hebrew, and Slavic origin.
Derivation: The name Alya has several meanings depending on its origin. In Arabic, Alya (علياء) means “sky,” “heaven,” or “sublime.” In Hebrew, it can mean “to ascend” or “go up.” In Slavic contexts, Alya is often a diminutive of names like Alexandra or Alina.
Other Similar Names: Aaliyah, Alina, Amaya, Eliana, Ayla, Alaya, Aria.
2. Ĉiela
Origin: Ĉiela is of Esperanto origin.
Derivation: The name Ĉiela is derived from the Esperanto word “ĉielo,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”
Other Similar Names: Ciel, Celeste, Celia, Celaena, Cerelia, Ciara, Cyra.
1. Ourania
Origin: Ourania is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Ourania is derived from the Greek word “ouranos,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”
Other Similar Names: Urania, Odalys, Olympia, Odelia, Octavia, Ophelia, Oriana.
Fairy-Inspired Ethereal Names for Pixies and Sprites
If you’re drawn to the enchanting world of fairies, choosing a name for your baby that’s inspired by these magical beings can add a touch of whimsy and wonder to your child’s life – which is never a bad thing!
And that’s why we adore fairy-inspired ethereal names so much – they capture the spirit of the mystical, the delicate, and the otherworldly, and are perfect for a little one who brings light everywhere they go.
For example, names like Elowen, Faye, and Oberon will have most people picturing images of twinkling forests, moonlit glades, and the playful magic of pixies and sprites – perfect for a heart full of imagination.
If that’s the type of name you want for your child, then here are some more ethereal names to consider!
10. Melusine
Origin: Melusine is of French origin.
Derivation: The name Melusine is derived from a figure in European folklore, a female water spirit.
Other Similar Names: Melina, Meliora, Maris, Mariel, Miranda, Morgana, Maerwynn.
9. Titania
Origin: Titania is of Greek origin.
Derivation: The name Titania is derived from Greek mythology, where Titania is the name of the queen of the fairies.
Other Similar Names: Tiana, Tia, Thalia, Tamsin, Talitha, Tamara, Tindra.
8. Pixie
Origin: Pixie is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Pixie is derived from the English word for a mythical, playful, small creature or fairy.
Other Similar Names: Pippa, Piper, Poppy, Polly, Phoebe, Prudence, Petal.
7. Wanda
Origin: Wanda is of Slavic origin.
Derivation: The name Wanda is derived from a legendary Polish queen, associated with the river Vistula. It’s also the name of the tritagonist of The Fairly OddParents alongside her husband Cosmo.
Other Similar Names: Willa, Wilhelmina, Winona, Wynne, Willow, Wendy, Wilma.
6. Parisa
Origin: Parisa is of Persian origin.
Derivation: The name Parisa means “like a fairy” in Persian.
Other Similar Names: Pari, Parinaz, Parvin, Perdita, Paloma, Pandora, Pavlina.
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5. Tünde
Origin: Tünde is of Hungarian origin.
Derivation: The name Tünde means “fairy” in Hungarian.
Other Similar Names: Tamsin, Tamara, Thalia, Tansy, Tiana, Tanya, Tova.
4. Tiên
Origin: Tiên is of Vietnamese origin.
Derivation: The name Tiên means “fairy” or “immortal” in Vietnamese.
Other Similar Names: Thuy, Thanh, Tam, Trang, Thao, Tien, Tuyet.
3. Flora
Origin: Flora is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Flora is derived from the Latin word “flos,” meaning “flower.” It’s also the name of one of the three supporting protagonists of Sleeping Beauty – Flora is the tallest fairy dressed in a red gown.
Other Similar Names: Fleur, Floriana, Florentina, Florence, Fiorella, Floraine, Fawn.
2. Fauna
Origin: Fauna is of Latin origin.
Derivation: The name Fauna is derived from Roman mythology, where Fauna is a goddess of nature and fertility. It’s also the name of one of the three supporting protagonists of Sleeping Beauty – Fauna is the middle fairy dressed in a green gown.
Other Similar Names: Flora, Fawn, Fay, Felicia, Fiore, Fenella, Fenna.
1. Merryweather
Origin: Merryweather is of English origin.
Derivation: The name Merryweather is derived from Old English words meaning “happy” and “weather.” It’s also the name of one of the three supporting protagonists of Sleeping Beauty – Merryweather is the shortest fairy dressed in a blue gown.
Other Similar Names: Merritt, Merryn, Meredith, Melody, Marigold, Marlowe, Mabel.
Did Any of Those Ethereal Names Stand Out to You?
Choosing a name for your child is never easy – in fact, it’s one of the first major decisions you’ll have to make as a parent, and it’s one that will hopefully have a positive impact on your child their entire life.
With that said, the difficulty often lies in the desire to find a name that ticks multiple boxes: such as finding a name that’s unique but not too unconventional, meaningful but not overly complex, timeless yet modern.
Not only that, but parents often try balancing their preferences with family traditions, cultural expectations, and opinions of friends and relatives, each of whom have a different idea of what makes a “perfect” name.
And let’s not forget about the sheer volume of options – including the 50 ethereal names we picked out for you above – which can also feel overwhelming, making it hard for parents to narrow down the choices.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Baby Name Generator For More Baby Name Ideas!
But don’t worry – if you didn’t find the name you were looking for or if ethereal names just aren’t your thing, then we have thousands of other baby name ideas for you to consider at our Mamas Uncut blog.
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Baby Name Generator
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