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From the Stars

  1. Pollux

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "crown"

    • Description:

      Castor's twin in the constellation Gemini. That final x makes this name modern and cool.
  2. Galileo

    • Origin:

      Italian

    • Meaning:

      "from Galilee"

    • Description:

      The name of the great Renaissance astronomer and mathematician would make a distinctive hero-middle-name for the son of parents involved in those fields.
  3. Loki

    • Origin:

      Norse mythological name

    • Meaning:

      "lock"

    • Description:

      Loki is the shape-shifting, gender-bending god of mischief in Norse mythology. Taking several animal forms, from a salmon to a seal to a fly, Loki is alternately friend and foe of the gods.
  4. Rigel

    • Origin:

      Astronomy, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "foot, leg"

    • Description:

      This might sound and look like a blend of Ryan, Riley, and Nigel, but it is in fact the name of the seventh brightest star in the sky. Found in the constellation of Orion, its name comes from the Arabic phrase, Rijl Jauzah al Yusrā, , meaning "the left foot of the central one."
  5. Barton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "from the barley settlement"

    • Description:

      More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.
  6. Mathilde

    • Origin:

      French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda

    • Meaning:

      "battle-mighty"

    • Description:

      Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers, makes it softer and prettier than the version we're more familiar with. It's also very popular in Denmark and Noway, pronounced closer to the English variant.
  7. Endymion

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "dive into, enter"

    • Description:

      The name of a mythically handsome youth – loved by Selene, the moon, who bore him fifty daughters. If you're looking for a mythological name for your son, this might make an excellent choice both rare and appealing.
  8. Vesta

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      The name of the Roman goddess of the household is not recommended for your little goddess.

  9. Eri

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "loving reason; blessing + reason; hometown blessing; picture + pear"

    • Description:

      Short and sweet Eri is a common female name in Japan that could cross cultures quite easily.
  10. Cadmus

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "one who excels"

    • Description:

      Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents — especially since Cadmus Peverell is a human Harry Potter character, one of the three original owners of the Deathly Hallows.
  11. Melusine

    • Origin:

      French, folkloric name

    • Description:

      Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is also connected with the French Lusignan royal house which claimed to be descended from Melusine. This name makes a good choice for people looking for a feminine mythological name but want to steer clear of Greek and Arthurian mythology.
  12. Major

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "greater; or, a military rank"

    • Description:

      This bold choice soared in popularity from 2008 to 2013, and now seems to have plateaued. But watch out—the character Major Major Major Major in the classic absurdist novel Catch-22 had a terrible time.
  13. Alcyone

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "kingfisher"

    • Description:

      Alcyone was the wife of Ceyx, but the happy pair angered the gods by calling each other Zeus and Hera. Ceyx's ship was sunk, Alcyone hurled herself into the sea, but then in sympathy for their grief the gods made the lovers halcyon birds or kingfishers.
  14. Herschel

    • Description:

      Herschel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, derived from 'Hirsch' meaning 'deer' or 'stag,' symbolizing gentleness and swiftness. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Tzvi, which carries the same meaning. The name gained recognition through notable bearers like astronomer Sir William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and various Jewish scholars and rabbis throughout history. While popular among Jewish communities in the early 20th century, Herschel has become less common in recent decades. However, it retains a dignified, intellectual quality that appeals to those drawn to traditional or family-honoring names. Its distinctive sound and rich cultural heritage give it a unique character among contemporary name choices.

  15. Nashira

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "the bearer of good news"

    • Description:

      Nashira is one of those obscure space names that might rise along with such heavenly choices as Orion, Luna, and even Nevaeh. A giant star in Capricorn, Nashira is an unusual and attractive name with several positive associations.
  16. Chara

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      Chara is the name of a star in a constellation that represents hunting dogs, recently named as one of the most likely to host extraterrestrial life. Also, Chara is a variation of both Sarah and Charlotte.
  17. Navi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "to name"

    • Description:

      Nickname for the star Gamma Cassiopeiae given by the late astronaut Gus Grissom after his own middle name (Ivan) spelled backwards. Navi also relates to the prophets in the Hebrew Bible.
  18. Berenice

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings victory"

    • Description:

      A name with a surprising amount of history--it was the name of the wife of Ptolemy I of Egypt, occurs in the New Testament, and belonged to a fourth century saint. In the US, it has long been spelled and pronounced Bernice. Nicknames include Bernie, Berry, Binnie and Bunny.
  19. Alioth

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "fat tail of the sheep"

    • Description:

      The brightest star in Ursa Major, this is one of the major navigational stars used by ships.
  20. Mimosa

    • Origin:

      Latin plant name

    • Description:

      Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.