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Astronomy Names

  1. Venus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "love, desire"

    • Description:

      The name of a heavenly planet and the Roman goddess of beauty and love was an intimidating no-no until tennis champ Venus Williams put an athletic, modern spin on it.
  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. 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."
  4. Suria

    • Origin:

      Variation of Surya, Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "sun god"

    • Description:

      The graceful Indian Suria or Surya may remind Americans more of little Miss Suri Cruise than of the pantheon of Hindi gods and goddesses.
  5. Rana

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "queenly"

    • Description:

      A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

  8. Savita

    • Origin:

      Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "sun, rouser, stimulator"

    • Description:

      Lively and bright, Savita is among the most popular Hindi names for girls, and one that could easily immigrate.
  9. 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.
  10. Terra

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "earth"

    • Description:

      A video-game import (Final Fantasy VI) for a character with green hair and a name that brings the outmoded Terry and Tara into the postmodern age.

  11. 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.
  12. Halley

    • Origin:

      Scottish and English

    • Meaning:

      "hall or woodland clearing"

    • Description:

      The Halley version of this popular name family hit the Top 1000 only once, in 1986, inspired by Halley's Comet, named for astronomer Edmund Halley.
  13. Jovian

    • Origin:

      Roman

    • Meaning:

      "of Jove, of Jupiter"

    • Description:

      A cheerful sounding name with plenty of strength, this relative of Jove was borne by a 4th century Roman emperor. It might appeal to those who like the mythological and space-related aspect of Jove but was something that could also blend in with the likes of Adrian, Cassian, and Julian.
  14. Janus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "doorway"

    • Description:

      The meaning of this ancient Roman god's name relates to transitions, hence its connection to the name of the first month of the new year, a time of fresh beginnings. Janus is usually depicted as a two-faced god facing in opposite directions, since he looks both to the future and the past. It's no surprise then, that Janus is one of the premiere January baby names. The Slavic form Janusz is more commonly used than the English, represented by the Polish cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, who has shot all of Steven Spielberg's films from Schindler's List to Lincoln.
  15. Eartha

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "earth"

    • Description:

      Used by the Puritans but off the US charts completely since the mid-1990s, Eartha is best known today as the name of American singer Eartha Kitt, as well as of the philanthropist and humanitarian Eartha M. M. White.
  16. Pluto

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rich"

    • Description:

      The Roman god of the underworld, the former ninth planet, a cartoon dog...but not a baby.
  17. Kore

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Kore is the original Greek form of the modern Cora, a name that's heading straight for the top of the charts in the English-speaking world. Kore was an alternate name for Persephone, goddess of the underworld. Spelling the name Kore may tip it toward the short form Kory or Korey.
  18. Nix

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "night"

    • Description:

      Variant spelling of Nyx, the name of the Greek goddess of the night. It also coincides with the English word "nix, a corruption of German nichts "nothing".
  19. Puck

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell.
  20. Libra

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "scales, balance"

    • Description:

      Appropriate for a girl born between late September and late October, Libra suggests both balance and freedom.