Celestial Names

  1. Csilla
    • Danica
      • Origin:

        Slavic
      • Meaning:

        "morning star"
      • Description:

        While Danica may sound similar to Dana, Danielle, and Daniela, Danica is not a variation. Danica, a delicate and unique Slavic name meaning "Morning Star," is synonymous with Venus in many countries.
    • Danika
      • Origin:

        Eastern European
      • Meaning:

        "morning star"
      • Description:

        Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.
    • Draco
      • Origin:

        Greek from Latin
      • Meaning:

        "dragon"
      • Description:

        For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.
    • Eilidh
      • Origin:

        Gaelic form of Eleanor
      • Description:

        Long popular in Scotland, this attractive name is strictly-speaking the Gaelic version of Eleanor, but is also often considered part of the Helen family of names. After the Normans introduced it into the British Isles, it was transformed into Aileen or Evelyn. It has rarely been heard in the US, but it is slowly starting to be used here too.
    • Eirian
      • Origin:

        Welsh
      • Meaning:

        "silver"
      • Description:

        A modern Welsh name that will be misunderstood as Irene.
    • Elaine
      • Origin:

        French and Scottish
      • Meaning:

        "bright, shining light"
      • Description:

        This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the mother of Sir Galahad, referred to as 'Elaine the fair' and 'Elaine the lovable', to being the name of the most famous of New York's celebrity restaurants, to being the archetypal New York neurotic on Seinfeld.
    • Elen
      • Description:

        Elen is a feminine name with ancient Celtic and Welsh origins, representing a traditional Welsh form of Helen. The name has historical significance in Welsh folklore, notably associated with Elen Luyddog (Elen of the Hosts), a figure from Welsh legend who was said to have built roads across Wales. Simple yet elegant, Elen carries the dignified heritage of its more common counterpart Helen, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'light' or 'bright.' While uncommon in the broader English-speaking world, it maintains steady usage in Wales and among families honoring Welsh heritage. The name's brevity gives it a clean, modern feel despite its ancient roots, offering an accessible Celtic option that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

    • Elena
      • Origin:

        Spanish, Italian, German, Greek variation of Helen
      • Meaning:

        "bright, shining light"
      • Description:

        Elena is at its most popular point ever in the US, thanks to its cross-cultural appeal and the overall popularity of El- names. It's more international than Ellen or Eleanor, but still accessible.
    • Eli
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "ascended, uplifted, high"
      • Description:

        With its sharp, succinct sounds and cool, laidback style, Eli is a popular choice among parents today. Compact and punchy, it is a Biblical name with plenty of charm.
    • Elian
      • Origin:

        Dutch variation of Elijah or Elisabeth, Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "Yahweh is God; pledged to God; sun"
      • Description:

        This Dutch form of Elijah — or other Eli- names — holds plenty of appeal, combining the gentle El- of Elliot or Elias with the ending of rising choices such as Cassian and Caspian. Popular in Puerto Rico, Chile, and Mexico, it has also been rising up the US charts since the 2000s and now sits within the Top 300.
    • Elidi
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "gift of the sun"
      • Description:

        Elidi is intriguing but potentially confusing. Try the French Elodie instead.
    • Ellen
      • Origin:

        English variation of Helen
      • Meaning:

        "torch; shining light"
      • Description:

        An medieval English form of Helen, the sensitive but clear-eyed Ellen has swung in and out of style for centuries, often alternating with the parent name. Ellen was the more common in medieval England, until after the Renaissance, when Helen overtook her. In Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, set at the end of the nineteenth century, one character wonders why another has not changed her "ugly" given name to something prettier, like Elaine—a statement few would make today.
    • Eloise
      • Origin:

        French and English variation of Heloise
      • Meaning:

        "healthy; wide"
      • Description:

        Well balanced between sleek, sweet, strong, and vintage, newly chic Eloise re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2009, following a 50-year absence. In 2022, it broke into the Top 100 in the US and across the pond in the UK. Given to nearly 3000 babies each year, Eloise is showing no sign of stepping out of the spotlight.
    • Emrys
      • Origin:

        Welsh, variation of Ambrose
      • Meaning:

        "immortal"
      • Description:

        If you're looking for a Welsh name less common than Dylan, Griffin, Evan, or Morgan, you might want to consider this offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin. It's currently in the Welsh top 100 and in the England and Wales top 1000 over all and has been rising in recent years.

        Root name Ambrose is an ancient saints' name derived from the Greek ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods that conferred immortality, giving it a magical feel. Parents today may also associate it with the BBC show Merlin which notably used the name as an alternative name for the warlock.
    • Eppie
      • Description:

        Eppie is a feminine name traditionally used as a diminutive of Euphemia, a Greek name meaning 'well-spoken' or 'words of good omen.' It gained literary recognition through George Eliot's novel 'Silas Marner,' where Eppie is the adopted daughter of the protagonist. The name has Scottish and English roots and was moderately popular in the 19th century. Eppie has a cheerful, vintage charm with its playful double 'p' sound and friendly ending. Though not commonly used in modern times, it retains appeal among parents seeking uncommon vintage names with historical depth. Its short, sweet nature makes it both distinctive and accessible.
    • Eshe
      • Origin:

        African, Swahili
      • Meaning:

        "life"
      • Description:

        A variant of Asha, which is related to the classic Arabic name Aisha, yet another way to say life. Other on-the-rise names with this uplifting meaning: Zoe and Vivian varieties such as Viviana, Viveca, and Vivienne.
    • Esta
      • Description:

        Esta is a feminine name with diverse origins. It can be seen as a variant of Esther, which has Persian roots meaning 'star' or derives from the goddess Ishtar. In some contexts, Esta functions as a diminutive of Esther or Estelle. The name appears in various cultures, including Jewish, Spanish, and English-speaking communities. Esta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name carries a vintage charm with its short, melodic sound, and remains appreciated for its simplicity and classic feel. Esta blends brevity with elegance, making it distinctive yet accessible.

    • Este
      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Esther, Persian
      • Meaning:

        "star"
      • Description:

        Este -- think Esme with a t -- comes to us via one of the rocking sisters in the musical group Haim. For long best known as the Esther diminutive used by cosmetics queen Estee Lauder, Este is a slimmed-down version that feels chicer for our star-struck times. While mother name Esther has Persian origins and impressive Biblical roots, it's a name used in a wide range of cultures.
    • Estela
      • Origin:

        Spanish
      • Meaning:

        "star"
      • Description:

        This Spanish variation of the French Estelle and spelling spin on Estella is on the rise, along with most star-related names, even Starr (and Star) herself. Popular personality Ali Landry chose it for her daughter.