Celestial Names

Andromache is a name found scattered throughout ancient literature. She was Hector's long-suffering wife in The Iliad and The Odyssey, featured in The Trojan Women and Andromache by Euripides, then later appeared in Shakepeare's Troilus and Cressida, and Jean Racine's 1667 play Andromaque. It has not made many appearances in the modern world, but now Charlize Theron's character in The Old Guard 2 is named Andromache, nickname Andy.

Hesperos or Hesperus is the personification of the evening star in Greek mythology; in Roman myth, that role is held by Venus. There's a Longfellow poem called "The Wreck of the Hesperus" about a tragic ship voyage.

One way to spin grandma Helen or Ellen's name off the beaten track. The legendary Azenor was a tragic 6th century Breton princess who was mother to a saint. This personage also may be known as Senara.

Like a large proportion of traditional Hawaiian names, Hoku can be used for both girls and boys.

A modern, unisex Welsh name with a shiny feel, Eirian can mean "silver" (from Welsh arian) or "snow, brilliant, bright" (from eira). It may appeal to those who like rising star Eira, but want something longer, or more gender neutral.

English speakers will think you invented this one, but it's a hidden nature name from the Basque country in present-day Spain. Some may find it too close to "zero" for comfort.

Ishaan is the guardian of the Northeast in the Hindu religion.

This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.

A star in the constellation Triangulum Australe, also the name of a publishing imprint and an assisted living corporation, probably because it has that streamlined corporate I-could-be-a-car-name feel. Atria is the plural of the more familiar term for an entry hall or foyer, atrium.

Star in Orion that might make a fine name, except people will always assume it's Melissa, with a typo.

Said to refer to either Jupiter or Venus, either of which would be preferable as a name.

Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.

Foreign variations of Mary are definitely the way to go; this one has a nice Dutch-girl feel. It also works as a cultural crossover name, e.g. between European languages and Japanese.

Astraia -- or Astraea or Asteria -- is the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who became the constellation Virgo. While largely unknown today, this is one of the Greek goddess names that may be rediscovered.

Skya is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of 'Sky' or 'Skye,' referencing the heavens and conveying a sense of limitlessness and freedom. The name could also have Scandinavian or Scottish influences, possibly relating to the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Some parents might choose Skya as a unique spelling of the Sanskrit-derived 'Skaya,' meaning 'branch' or 'protection.' With its compact, flowing sound and distinctive appearance, Skya appeals to parents seeking something contemporary yet meaningful. Though rare in statistical records, the name's connection to nature and the celestial realm gives it appealing symbolic depth.

Lush and unusual.

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

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.

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."

Spelling variation of Danica with a modern update.