Have you ever wondered how stars, planets, and other celestial objects are named? Believe it or not, that responsibility rests solely on the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which was founded in 1919.
When a new object is discovered, the IAU reviews suggestions from discoverers and other experts before deciding on an official name, often drawing from mythology, historical figures, or scientific concepts.
Call me crazy, but the IAU is basically doing what a lot of you soon-to-be-parents are doing as you try to find the perfect baby name for your child. And they’re using a lot of the same inspiration in the process.
RELATED: 50 Celestial-Inspired Astronomy Names That Are Too Perfect for Your Little Astronomer
Maybe that’s why astronomy names are so popular today. After all, it was Carl Sagan who once theorized that all life on Earth and the atoms in the human body were created in the furnace of now-long-dead stars.
And he was right. Most of the elements that make up the human body were initially formed in stars.
If that’s enough to convince you that astronomy names are worth considering for your future daughter or son, then don’t worry. We’ve got 50 unique astronomy names coming your way, so prepare for takeoff!
Astronomy Names Inspired By the Moon
A moon is a natural satellite that orbits a planet or a larger body, and is held in place by the gravitational pull of that planet or body. They vary widely in size, composition, mass, formation, and appearance.
Earth’s Moon, for example, is one of the largest moons relative to its planet, while other moons, such as those orbiting Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn, can be much smaller in size. Some planets have no moons.
Most moons are named after figures from ancient mythology. For example, the moons of Jupiter and Saturn are named after gods, goddesses, heroes, and other figures from Roman and Greek mythology.
Some of the most common moons, which would make good baby names, include Rhea (Saturn), Callisto (Jupiter), Elara (Jupiter), Europa (Jupiter), Phoebe (Saturn), Oberon (Uranus), and Cressida (Uranus).
Let’s take a look at some other astronomy names that have moon-related meanings and derivations.
10. Jacy
Origin: Jacy is of Native American origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Jacy is derived from a Native American word meaning “moon.” It is commonly associated with the soft glow and tranquility of the moon in the night sky.
Similar-Sounding Names: Jace, Jay, Jack, Jamie, Jaxon, Jason, Jaden, Josie, Jessie, and Jude
9. Mahina
Origin: Mahina is of Hawaiian origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Mahina is derived from the Hawaiian word for “moon,” symbolizing the celestial body that lights up the night.
Similar-Sounding Names: Marina, Mina, Malia, Malina, Melina, Makena, Mariah, Mika, Moana, and Malea.
8. Luna
Origin: Luna is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Luna is derived from the Latin word for “moon,” symbolizing the Roman goddess of the moon.
Similar-Sounding Names: Lina, Lana, Lena, Lila, Layla, Lorna, Luella, Lucia, Leda, and Leona.
7. Neoma
Origin: Neoma is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Neoma is derived from the Greek words “neo,” meaning “new,” and “ma,” meaning “moon.” Thus, Neoma can be interpreted as “new moon.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Naomi, Noemi, Nora, Nia, Naya, Neva, Nola, Nina, Nadia, and Neve
6. Phoebe
Origin: Phoebe is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Phoebe is derived from the Greek word “phoibos,” meaning “bright” or “radiant,” often associated with the moon and the Titan goddess Phoebe in Greek mythology.
Similar-Sounding Names: Fiona, Phaedra, Faye, Flora, Phoenyx, Freya, Pia, Petra, Poppy, and Phyllis
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 50 Ethereal Names Inspired By Outer Space, Fairy Tales, and the Heavens Above
5. Selena
Origin: Selena is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Selena is derived from the Greek word “Selene,” who was the goddess of the moon in ancient mythology.
Similar-Sounding Names: Serene, Serena, Celina, Elena, Sabina, Elina, Sienna, Selma, Sabrina, and Salena
4. Sasi
Origin: Sasi is of Thai origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Sasi comes from the Thai language and refers to the “moon,” particularly in relation to its beauty and radiance.
Similar-Sounding Names: Suri, Sasha, Sami, Sia, Saya, Sera, Sofi, Sani, Sevi, and Siri
3. Chanda
Origin: Chanda is of Sanskrit origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Chanda is derived from the Sanskrit word for “moon,” representing its shining or luminous quality.
Similar-Sounding Names: Ciara, Chandra, Charla, Celine, Carla, Chelsea, Chaya, Chana, Charis, and Candace.
2. Hilal
Origin: Hilal is of Arabic origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Hilal is derived from the Arabic word for the “crescent moon,” often symbolizing the new moon.
Similar-Sounding Names: Hanan, Hadi, Hasan, Hale, Hala, Haleem, Hiram, Hala, Haifa, and Halim
1. Kamaria
Origin: Kamaria is of Swahili origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Kamaria comes from the Swahili word for “moon,” representing beauty and serenity.
Similar-Sounding Names: Kaira, Kamila, Kara, Kiara, Kalina, Camila, Kiana, Kalia, Karina, and Kenna.
Astronomy Names Inspired By the Sun
Did you know that the Sun is actually a giant star located at the center of our solar system? What about the fact that it makes up about 99.86% of the total mass of our solar system? Doesn’t that sound insane?
The Sun is a giant ball of hot, glowing gas composed mainly of hydrogen (75%) and helium (24%). It’s the source of almost all energy on Earth and reaches a temperature of around 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.
It generates energy through a process called nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms in the Sun’s core are fused together to form helium, ultimately releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat.
If you want to give your child a name inspired by the sun, then check out these astronomy names!
10. Aelia
Origin: Aelia is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Aelia is derived from the Latin word “aelius,” meaning “sun.” It was also the family name of a Roman emperor.
Similar-Sounding Names: Aaliyah, Alia, Amelia, Elia, Alina, Ayla, Amara, Aurelia, Elena, and Isla
9. Helios
Origin: Helios is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Helios comes from the Greek word for “sun,” referring to the Greek god who personified the sun.
Similar-Sounding Names: Helius, Elias, Hermes, Hugo, Heron, Hector, Hades, Hermes, Hero, and Henry.
8. Apollo
Origin: Apollo is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Apollo comes from Greek mythology, where Apollo was the god of the sun, light, and music.
Similar-Sounding Names: Arlo, Aiden, Angelo, Atlas, Adonis, Ambrose, Aldo, Arrow, Amos, and Axel
7. Sunny
Origin: Sunny is of English origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Sunny is derived from the English word for “sunshine” or “sunny weather,” symbolizing brightness and warmth.
Similar-Sounding Names: Sonny, Suri, Sienna, Sydney, Shelby, Skyler, Summer, Sam, Sloane, and Suriya
6. Aten
Origin: Aten is of Egyptian origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Aten is derived from ancient Egyptian mythology, where Aten was the disk of the sun and a deity of light.
Similar-Sounding Names: Aiden, Anton, Alan, Ethan, Aden, Anson, Arden, Axton, Arlen, and Ashton
RELATED: 50 Magical Names That Sound Like They’re Straight Out of a Spellbook
5. Cyrus
Origin: Cyrus is of Persian origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Cyrus comes from the Persian name “Kūruš,” possibly meaning “sun” or “throne,” famously borne by Cyrus the Great.
Similar-Sounding Names: Silas, Cassius, Caden, Caius, Cyrus, Sirus, Clovis, Carlo, and Cedric
4. Sunniva
Origin: Sunniva is of Old Norse origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Sunniva is derived from the Old Norse elements “sunna,” meaning “sun,” and “viva,” meaning “gift.” Together, it means “gift of the sun.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Sienna, Sylvia, Sonya, Seraphina, Suriya, Savannah, Selena, Serena, and Sylvia
3. Solana
Origin: Solana is of Spanish origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Solana is derived from the Spanish word “sol,” meaning “sun.” It evokes imagery of sunny places or warmth.
Similar-Sounding Names: Selena, Sloane, Siena, Stella, Seraphina, Selena, Serena, and Savannah
2. Suriya
Origin: Suriya is of Sanskrit origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Suriya is derived from the Sanskrit word for “sun” and is often associated with the Hindu sun god Surya.
Similar-Sounding Names: Sofia, Sonia, Selena, Suri, Serena, Samira, Sylvia, Sana, Solana, and Sera
1. Aurora
Origin: Aurora is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Aurora is derived from the Latin word for “dawn,” and in Roman mythology, Aurora was the goddess of the dawn.
Similar-Sounding Names: Aria, Aurelia, Ariana, Arina, Alora, Amara, Adora, Alana, Ayla, and Arabelle
Astronomy Names Inspired By the Stars
You can think of stars as the building blocks of galaxies. In fact, they play a key role in the evolution of the universe by producing heavy elements through fusion, which are then spread throughout space over time.
These elements form the foundation for planets, life, and everything else we see in the cosmos.
Some of the oldest stars in the sky have traditional names rooted in ancient cultures, often derived from Greek, Latin, or Arabic languages. Other stars are named through various conventions and designations.
For example, Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, comes from the Greek word for “glowing,” while Betelgeuse, a bright star in the constellation Orion, has Arabic origins meaning “the hand of the giant.”
Let’s take a look at some of our other favorite astronomy names inspired by the stars in the sky.
10. Adhara
Origin: Adhara is of Arabic origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Adhara is derived from the Arabic name for a star in the constellation Canis Major. It is one of the brightest stars visible from Earth.
Similar-Sounding Names: Amara, Aisha, Alara, Azara, Adira, Amira, Adina, Anara, Amina, and Alina
9. Aster
Origin: Aster is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Aster is derived from the Greek word “aster,” meaning “star.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Asher, Esther, Astrid, Astra, Ashton, Aspen, Aidan, Arden, Axel, and Archer
8. Stella
Origin: Stella is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Stella comes from the Latin word for “star,” symbolizing light and beauty.
Similar-Sounding Names: Estella, Bella, Sienna, Selah, Sylvia, Selena, Sheila, Shiloh, Isla, and Estrella
7. Nova
Origin: Nova is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Nova is derived from the Latin word for “new,” and it also refers to a star that suddenly becomes brighter.
Similar-Sounding Names: Nola, Nora, Noa, Neva, Nova, Nia, Neve, Nadia, Nina, and Naomi
6. Steorra
Origin: Steorra is of Old English origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Steorra is an Old English word for “star.” It is a unique and rare name with celestial significance.
Similar-Sounding Names: Stella, Soraya, Sierra, Serena, Sienna, Sofia, and Selena
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mythical Girl Names for Parents Who Want a Name as Unique as Their Little One
5. Danica
Origin: Danica is of Slavic origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Danica comes from the Slavic word for “morning star” or “Venus.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Daniela, Diana, Delilah, Anika, Anya, Danika, Dana, Dahlia, and Darla
4. Star
Origin: Star is of English origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Star is derived from the English word for the celestial body, symbolizing beauty and radiance.
Similar-Sounding Names: Stella, Estrella, Starla, Sienna, Selah, Serena, Suriya, and Soraya
3. Astra
Origin: Astra is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Astra is derived from the Latin word “astrum,” meaning “star.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Astrid, Aster, Athena, Aria, Anya, Asher, Aidan, Asra, Ashton, and Astraea
2. Astrophel
Origin: Astrophel is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Astrophel is derived from the Greek words “aster,” meaning “star,” and “phil,” meaning “lover.” It translates to “lover of stars.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Asher, Raphael, Axel, Aiden, Philemon, Felix, Philo, Alexander, and Aster
1. Izar
Origin: Izar is of Basque origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Izar is derived from the Basque word for “star.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Isaac, Isaiah, Ivan, Ezra, Icarus, Ilan, Izaiah, Ives, Ezer, and Orion
Astronomy Names Inspired By the Sky & Heavens
The sky is a vast and dynamic expanse with a complex and interconnected system of atmospheric layers, celestial objects, and natural forces that reveal the workings of both our planet and the cosmos beyond it.
During the day, it appears blue due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. At night, it appears black with the stars, planets, and other celestial objects becoming visible as Earth rotates away from the Sun.
Not only that, but weather phenomena like clouds, rain, lightning, and auroras (northern and southern lights) all take place in Earth’s atmosphere, creating a rich and ever-changing display when we look up.
If you’re looking for some unique astronomy names related to the sky and the heavens, check these out!
10. Cielo
Origin: Cielo is of Spanish origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Cielo comes from the Spanish word for “sky” or “heaven.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Celeste, Sienna, Sofia, Sierra, Selena, Celine, Clara, Camille, Cleo, and Calla
9. Celeste
Origin: Celeste is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Celeste is derived from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “heavenly” or “of the sky.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Celine, Stella, Serena, Sierra, Selene, Sylvia, Clara, Cecelia, Camille, and Cecily
8. Sky
Origin: Sky is of English origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Sky is derived from the English word for the heavens or the atmosphere.
Similar-Sounding Names: Skye, Kai, Sienna, Sybil, Skylar, Sydney, Sage, Shay, Sawyer, and Sierra
7. Celine
Origin: Celine is of French and Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Celine comes from the Latin word “caelum,” meaning “heaven” or “sky.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Celeste, Selene, Serene, Serena, Sylvie, Colette, Cecile, Camille, Selena, and Sofia
6. Kalani
Origin: Kalani is of Hawaiian origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Kalani comes from the Hawaiian word for “the heavens” or “sky.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Kailani, Keilani, Keanu, Kiana, Kaia, Leilani, Alani, Nalani, Kalia, and Kanani
RELATED: 50 Heavenly Angel-Inspired Astronomy Names for Boys
5. Nevaeh
Origin: Neveah is of modern American origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Neveah is a modern invention, created by spelling “heaven” backward.
Similar-Sounding Names: Neva, Nevaeh, Nova, Naomi, Nia, Naya, Nadia, Nora, Nina, and Naveen
4. Leilani
Origin: Leilani is of Hawaiian origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Leilani is derived from the Hawaiian words “lei,” meaning “flower,” and “lani,” meaning “heaven” or “sky,” translating to “heavenly flower.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Leila, Liana, Layla, Lana, Lani, Liliana, Alani, Delani, Lila, and Linnea
3. Caelum
Origin: Caelum is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Caelum is derived from the Latin word for “sky” or “heaven.” It also refers to a constellation in the southern sky.
Similar-Sounding Names: Callum, Caleb, Caden, Cole, Colton, Camden, Caius, Calvin, and Cade
2. Araceli
Origin: Araceli is of Latin and Spanish origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Araceli is derived from the Latin words “ara” (altar) and “caeli” (heaven), translating to “altar of heaven.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Arielle, Amelie, Adeline, Aurelia, Aria, Amara, Anabel, Alessia, Celia, and Amelia
1. Alya
Origin: Alya is of Arabic and Turkish origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Alya is derived from the Arabic word meaning “sky,” “heaven,” or “sublime.”
Similar-Sounding Names: Alia, Amaya, Aya, Layla, Aylin, Alaya, Amara, Elia, Aria, and Ava
Astronomy Names Inspired By Famous Astronomers
An astronomer studies celestial objects, such as stars, planets, moons, comets, galaxies, and universe as a whole. Some specialize in observational astronomy, while others specialize in theoretical astronomy.
Their work generally involves understanding the physical and chemical properties of these objects and the fundamental forces that govern their behavior, primarily with the use of telescopes and other tools.
Throughout history, several astronomers have made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the universe. In fact, a lot of what we know today can be credited to their historical achievements.
If you want to name your child after a famous astronomer, then you’ll love these astronomy names!
10. Galileo
Origin: Galileo is of Italian origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Galileo is derived from the Latin word “galilaeus,” meaning “from Galilee.” It is famously associated with the astronomer Galileo Galilei.
Astronomer Bio: Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist, and mathematician who is often called the “father of modern observational astronomy.” He made pioneering observations using telescopes, including discovering the moons of Jupiter, phases of Venus, and sunspots, which supported the heliocentric theory.
9. Kepler
Origin: Kepler is of German origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Kepler comes from the German surname derived from “Köppler,” meaning “hat maker.” It is best known from the astronomer Johannes Kepler.
Astronomer Bio: Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was a German mathematician and astronomer who formulated the laws of planetary motion, which describe how planets orbit the sun in elliptical paths. His work laid the foundation for Isaac Newton’s theory of gravitation, making him a key figure in the scientific revolution.
8. Sagan
Origin: Sagan is of Slavic origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Sagan comes from the Polish surname derived from “saga,” meaning “wise one.” It is famously associated with astronomer Carl Sagan.
Astronomer Bio: Carl Sagan (1934–1996) was an American astrophysicist, cosmologist, and science communicator known for his research on extraterrestrial life and popularizing science. He authored the book Cosmos and hosted the groundbreaking television series of the same name, inspiring millions to explore the wonders of the universe.
7. Tycho
Origin: Tycho is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Tycho comes from the Greek word “tychē,” meaning “luck” or “fortune.” It is associated with the astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Astronomer Bio: Tycho Brahe (1546–1601) was a Danish astronomer renowned for his precise astronomical observations, which greatly improved our understanding of planetary motion. His detailed data on the positions of stars and planets provided the basis for Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
6. Copernicus
Origin: Copernicus is of Latin origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Copernicus is derived from the surname of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, and it is based on the village of Koperniki in Poland.
Astronomer Bio: Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) was a Polish astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system, asserting that the Earth revolves around the sun. His work De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium challenged the geocentric view and revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 50 Enigmatic & Mysterious Names for Parents Who Love the Thrill of the Unknown
5. Herschel
Origin: Herschel is of Yiddish origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Herschel is derived from the Yiddish word “hirsch,” meaning “deer.” It is famously associated with the astronomer William Herschel.
Astronomer Bio: William Herschel (1738–1822) was a British-German astronomer best known for discovering the planet Uranus in 1781. He also cataloged thousands of stars and nebulae, advancing the study of deep space, and is credited with coining the term “asteroid.”
4. Hipparchus
Origin: Hipparchus is of Greek origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Hipparchus is derived from ancient Greek, meaning “horse ruler.” It is associated with the Greek astronomer Hipparchus of Nicaea.
Astronomer Bio: Hipparchus (c. 190–120 BCE) was an ancient Greek astronomer and mathematician who is often regarded as the founder of trigonometry. He is most famous for creating the first star catalog and discovering the precession of the equinoxes, a key astronomical phenomenon.
3. Halley
Origin: Halley is of English origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Halley is derived from the Old English word “halig,” meaning “holy,” and is famously associated with Halley’s Comet.
Astronomer Bio: Edmond Halley (1656–1742) was an English astronomer best known for calculating the orbit of the comet that bears his name, Halley’s Comet. He also made important contributions to the study of planetary motion, meteorology, and geophysics.
2. Barnard
Origin: Barnard is of Old English and German origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Barnard is derived from the Old English name “Bernhard,” meaning “brave as a bear.” It is associated with Barnard’s Star, an important star in astronomy.
Astronomer Bio: Edward Emerson Barnard (1857–1923) was an American astronomer who discovered Barnard’s Star, one of the nearest stars to Earth. He also made significant contributions to the study of comets and the Milky Way, pioneering the use of photography in astronomy.
1. Tyson
Origin: Tyson is of Old French and English origin.
Derivation/Meaning: The name Tyson is derived from an Old French word meaning “firebrand” or “son of Tye.” It is commonly associated with strength and energy.
Astronomer Bio: Neil deGrasse Tyson (1958–present) is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York and has gained fame for popularizing science through television shows like Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey and books that explore the universe.
Which of These Astronomy Names Will You Pick?
By choosing a name tied to the stars or planets, you’re connecting your child to the idea of reaching for greatness and pursuing endless possibilities, which is a beautiful and endearing way to begin their life.
Whether it’s Nova, symbolizing new beginnings, or Atlas, representing strength and endurance, these names are imbued with positive traits and powerful meanings that can inspire your child to be great.
Likewise, baby names like Luna (which means “moon”) or Orion (the famous hunter and constellation) not only have beautiful, lyrical qualities but also connect your child’s identity to the grandeur of the universe.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Check Out Our Baby Name Generator for More Unique Baby Name Ideas!
But if you didn’t find the name you were looking for among the 50 astronomy names listed above, then head over to our Mamas Uncut blog for thousands of more ideas, and hundreds more uploaded weekly!