Space and Celestial Names

  1. Reiltin
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little star"
    • Description:

      Variant of Realtin
  2. Danique
    • Origin:

      French variation of Danica
    • Meaning:

      "morning star"
    • Description:

      This Danielle/Monique hybrid offers a new twist on an old favorite.
  3. Tarabai
    • Origin:

      Indian
    • Meaning:

      "feminine star"
    • Description:

      Tarabai is an Indian name with a lot of feminist clout. Tarabai Bhosale was a 17th century Maratha queen who was a skilled military leader in her own right and successfully resisted the Mughal empire on behalf of her people. More recently Tarabai Shinde is often regarded as the author of India’s first feminist text - in which she rails against both the patriarchy and the caste system. Meaning feminine star, Tarabai is a perfect name for your budding feminist.
  4. Leoni
    • Description:

      Leoni is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be seen as a variant of Leonie, which derives from the Latin name Leo meaning 'lion,' symbolizing strength and courage. In some contexts, it may also function as a shortened form of Leontine or Leonida. Particularly popular in German-speaking countries and gaining traction elsewhere in Europe, Leoni offers a softer, more feminine take on the powerful lion imagery associated with its root. The name blends a certain strength with a melodic, gentle sound. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Leoni has been gradually increasing in usage, appealing to parents seeking a name that balances traditional roots with a contemporary feel and cross-cultural appeal.

  5. Leonid
    • Origin:

      Russian, variation of Leonidas "lion"
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      This form got noticed as the first name of long-reigning Russian president Brezhnev; other bearers include playwright and short-story writer Andreyev, Leonid the Magnificent,a Russian performance artist on America's Got Talent, and Leonid McGill, the protagonist of a Walter Mosley private eye series. All in all, though, Leonid is not the most likely to join the pride of lion-related names here.
  6. Namid
    • Origin:

      Ojibwa
    • Meaning:

      "star dancer"
    • Description:

      Fanciful image distinguishes this Native-American name.
  7. Stellar
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "of the stars"
    • Description:

      This cosmological name is given to a handful of boys and girls each year in the USA. Likely to get confused with Stella, but definitely edgier and likely to start a conversation.
  8. Cross
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      If Cruz and Croix are too subtle, Cross cuts right to the chase. It feels decidedly more Christian and punitive, for better or worse.
  9. Sterre
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      Stella gets a cool European makeover.
  10. Mercury
    • Origin:

      Roman
    • Meaning:

      "messenger of the gods, quicksilver"
    • Description:

      It's a car brand, a planet, and the messenger of the gods -- but it's questionable whether it works as a little girl's name.
  11. Lintang
    • Origin:

      Indonesian
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      This name, which may also be Bintang in Indonesia, would have a difficult time transitioning to the Western World.
  12. Sabik
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "one who comes in first"
    • Description:

      Sabik, a star in Ophiuchus, makes for a rather harsh-sounding name. If you're looking skyward for a baby name, you'd do better with Orion or Jupiter. But if you are searching for names that mean new beginnings, this is one unusual choice.
  13. Cosma
    • Description:

      Cosma is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek word 'kosmos,' meaning 'order,' 'harmony,' or 'universe.' It is the female form of Cosmo or Cosimo, names that have historical significance particularly in Italian culture. Cosma carries celestial connotations, evoking images of the cosmos and heavenly bodies. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name has seen more use in European countries with Greek or Latin influences. Cosma offers a blend of classical elegance and cosmic significance, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with depth and historical resonance. Its brevity and melodic quality give it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.
  14. Columba
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      While the original Irish St. Columba was male, the modern Irish variation Colm or Scottish Callum would be more appropriate for a contemporary boy. We can, however, imagine Columba as a rhythmic and contemporary-sounding girl's name.
  15. Cosme
    • Description:

      Cosme is a masculine name derived from the Greek name Kosmas, meaning 'order' or 'harmony.' It shares roots with the word 'cosmos,' reflecting the ordered universe. Popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Cosme has been carried by various saints, including Saints Cosmas and Damian, twin brother physicians and martyrs from the 3rd century. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent usage in Latin cultures, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. The name has a sophisticated, international quality with its simple two-syllable structure. Pronunciation varies slightly between cultures, but it's typically KOZ-may or KOS-meh. Its connection to cosmic harmony gives it philosophical depth despite its brevity.

  16. South
    • Origin:

      Word Name
    • Description:

      The only of the four cardinal direction names to not have caught on. But if North can work, why not South?
  17. Urso
    • Origin:

      Italian from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.
  18. Columbia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "land of Columbus"
    • Description:

      Columbia is a rarely used name with many associations. From the eighteenth century it has been used as a female personification of the United States, often appearing as a flag-draped patriotic figure. And as such it's inspired a plethora of place and company names, from the District of Columbia to Columbia University to Columbia Records, and songs like "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." A character called Columbia appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
  19. Nebula
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "mist"
    • Description:

      Could be the next Nova, now that celestial baby names are in the ascendent.
  20. Ademir
    • Origin:

      Portuguese, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous wealth"
    • Description:

      A handsome Portuguese name derived from the old Germanic saint's name Audamar or Otmar. Especially common in Brazil.