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Boy, girl, and gender-neutral names with a celestial spirit
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You’re not the first to look for the night sky for inspiration, and it’s easy to see why! The cosmos hold a host of celestial phenomena to fuel any creative endeavor, including the naming of a baby, a pet, a literary character, or even yourself! And people have been naming themselves and each other after the stars for millennia—as evidenced by our comprehensive list of star names, which spans cultures, languages, and traditions. Whether you’re looking for a traditionally feminine, masculine, or unisex name, you can find your starry name on the list below.
Popular Names Meaning “Star”
- Stella: Translates to “star” in Italian. Traditionally a girls' name.
- Astra: Translates to “star” in Greek. Traditionally a girls' name.
- Itri: Translates to “star” in Berber. Traditionally a boys' name.
- Najm: Translates to “star” in Arabic. Traditionally a boys' name.
- Dara: Translates to “star” in Khmer. Traditionally a gender-neutral name.
- Skylar: Translates to “starlit” in Dutch. Traditionally a gender-neutral name.
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Section 1 of 11:
Girl Names That Mean Star
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Arabella Arabella is a Latin name that means “beautiful like a star.” This name has become more and more popular over the years, hitting peak popularity in 2017 at #158 in the list of popular girls’ names in the U.S. Originally coming from Latin, Arabella became popularized in 17th century England, where it carried a connotation that the bearer was from the upper classes. [1] X Research source
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2Astra Astra is a Greek girls’ name that directly translates to “star” or “from the stars.” Astra comes from the Greek word “astron,” which means “star.” In ancient Greek culture, the name Astra was often given to people who were believed to have a divine connection to celestial bodies. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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3Csilla Csilla means “star” in Hungarian culture and is pronounced “CHEEL-law.” Derived from the Hungarian word csillag , which directly translates to “star,” this name was created by the author András Dugonics. Dugonics developed this name for an 1803 novel, but it later became popularized by poet Mihály Vörösmarty. [3] X Research source
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4Estelle Estelle is a name with Latin origins meaning “star.” Estelle was a popular name throughout history, appearing frequently throughout literature, music, and mythology. Several notable individuals carried this name during the medieval era, and it continues to be popular today—particularly in French-speaking countries. [4] X Research source
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Esther Esther is a Hebrew name that means “star.” It’s often associated with the biblical figure of Queen Esther, giving the name some added regal connotations and associations of bravery and strength, since Queen Esther famously saved her people from genocide. [5] X Research source
- The name itself likely comes from the Old Persian word stāra , which means “star” and is connected to the Near Eastern goddess Ishtar. [6] X Research source
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6Estrella Estrella is the word for “star” in Spanish, but it derives from the Latin word stella —which also means “star!” Estrella has been a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries for centuries, appearing in works of literature, poetry, and folklore. It’s also been used as a topographic name to describe someone who lived in a place where roads radiated out in a star-like shape. [7] X Research source
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7Hester Hester means “star,” borrowed from the biblical name Esther (which also means “star!”). Hester comes from the ancient Greek word for “star,” but it’s also a variant of the biblical name Esther, which may come from the Persian word stāra , meaning “star.” Hester is famously the name of Nathanial Hawthorne’s protagonist in The Scarlet Letter , who’s written as a strong-willed woman who defied societal norms. [8] X Research source
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8Hōkūlani Hōkūlani means “heavenly star,” coming from the Hawaiian language. Otherwise translated as “star in heaven” and pronounced “ho-koo-LAH-nee,” this name comes from the words hoku (“star”) and lani (“heaven”). Hōkūlani is an important name in Hawaiian mythology and folklore, as it was the name of the daughter of Hina, a significant goddess. Hōkūlani, according to myth, is an especially celestial child that symbolizes beauty, grace, and tranquility. [9] X Research source
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9Maristela Maristela is a Spanish name that means “star of the sea.” The name combines the names Mary and Estela into Maristela, imbuing the name with the meaning of two beautiful feminine energies. Maristela may also be a reference to the term stella maris , a phrase that was used during the medieval period to refer to the north star. [10] X Research source
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Odtsetseg Odtsetseg means “star flower” in Mongolian, combining two of nature’s fairest elements. Etymologically, Odtsetseg combines the Mongolian words od (“star”) and tsetseg ("flower"). The name is roughly pronounced as “odd-tseh-tayg” in English, and its unique and beautiful meaning makes it a wonderful name for any shining and blooming child. [11] X Research source
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11Seren Seren is a Welsh name that translates to “star.” It’s a fairly common female name and was actually the 5th most common name in Wales in 2010. [12] X Research source Seren as a name may come from the Celtic word serennu , meaning “tranquil” or “peaceful,” and people with this stunning star-inspired name are often perceived as having these calming qualities!
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12Starla Placing the word “star” front and center, Starla translates to…star, of course! Starla originates in the United States, where it’s thought to symbolize beauty, guidance, and luminosity. The name is a rough combination of “Star” and “Carla,” but it’s not all too common nowadays—its two highest peaks of popularity occurred in 1966 and and 1980. It also featured as the title of a 1994 song by The Smashing Pumpkins. [13] X Research source
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13Stella Stella means “star” and is one of the most popular and classic star names out there. The elegant name has Latin roots and is often shortened to the nickname Ella. Many of the names on this list derive from Stella, but Stella itself likely comes from the Greek word aster , which means “star.” This stellar name is associated with luminosity, brightness, and beauty. [14] X Research source
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14Tara Tara means “star” in Sanskrit, and it’s also the name of the Hindu star goddess. In Buddhism, Tara is a female Buddha who helps others to achieve enlightenment, while Hinduism paints her as a goddess of compassion, protection, salvation, and joy. [15] X Research source Tara is also the name of a ocean goddess in Polynesian mythology, so the bearer of this name can claim ownership of both the sea and sky! [16] X Research source
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15Vespera Vespera is a Latin name meaning “evening star” or “evening light.” It may come from the Greek name Hesperus, which is the name of the mythological personification of Venus (or the “evening star”). [17] X Research source Vespera is a relatively rare name, but that doesn’t diminish its beauty—wearers of this name have a distinct connection to the poetic grace of nightfall.
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Section 2 of 11:
Boy Names That Mean Star
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Ahtahkakoop Ahtahkakoop is a Cree name that means “star blanket,” referring to North America’s indigenous Cree people and their traditional star blanket ceremony. In this ceremony, members of the tribe wrap the honored person in a star blanket to show their respect and bless them with a symbol of protection and prosperity. The name Ahtahkakoop was notably worn by the first chief of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation—-according to legend, he was born on a night where the stars shone especially bright. [18] X Research source
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2Astrophel Astrophel means “star lover” in Greek, coming from the Greek words astro (“star”) and phil (“lover”). The name Astrophel was famously used in a sonnet sequence by Sir Philip Sidney. The sonnet tells the story of Astrophel and Stella (whose name means “star”), in which Astrophel holds a deep but unreciprocated love for Stella.
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3Byeong-Ho Byeong-Ho literally translates to a combination of “bright” or “luminous” with “vast” or “heaven.” [19] X Research source Putting these two qualities together, this name is often interpreted as representing the sparkling and shiny sky of stars. With Korean origins, this name is often chosen by parents who want to imbue their child with the expansive and serene nature of the night sky.
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4Citlali Citlali is a Nahuatl name meaning “star.” Nahuatl is a Native American, Aztec, and Mexican language, and Citlali comes from the Nahuatl word cītlalli , which means “star.” This historic name is especially significant since Aztec mythology painted stars as celestial beings with divine significance—so the name Citlali both honors these beings and passes their blessings onto the individuals who bear this name. [20] X Research source
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Cosmo Cosmos is an English name that refers to the universe, deriving from the Greek word kosmos . Cosmos itself translates to “order” and “decency” in English. However, the modern word “cosmos” describes the universe itself as an orderly whole. [21] X Research source This name encompasses the depths of the night sky while also lending an aura of harmony and order.
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6Dhruv Dhruv is a name of Indian origin that means “pole star.” Coming from the Sanskrit word for “firm” or “unshakeable,” the name Dhruv is culturally significant to Hindu mythology. According to myth, Dhruva was a young prince who quested from the age of five to find divine blessings. The Lord Vishnu was impressed by his determination and blessed him to become what we now know as the North Star. [22] X Research source
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7Elrond Elrond means “star dome” in Sindarin, the language invented by J.R.R. Tolkien in his The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It can also be interpreted to mean “elf of the cavern,” which connects to the fact that Elrond, the series’ elven ruler, was found in a cave. In The Lord of the Rings , Elrond is a powerful elf with qualities of healing, wisdom, and foresight, so this a great name for someone with these same traits. [23] X Research source
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8Esteban Esteban means “crowned with stars.” This name is Spanish with Latin origins, and it likely shares its roots with the Greek name Stéphanos. The name Esteban has been associated with royalty throughout history, and it persists as a popular name in the 21st century, especially among Spanish-speaking communities. [24] X Research source
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9Najm Najm means “star,” deriving from the Arabic language. This starry name is widely used throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. It may have religious connotations, as the 53rd chapter of the Quran is called An-Najm (النجم), or “the Star.” Najm also has a feminine equivalent, Najma (نجمة), which also means “star.”
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Itri Itri means “star” in Tamazight. [25] X Research source Tamazight is another term for the Berber languages, which are mainly spoken across Northern Africa. While its exact origins are unclear, the name Itri may originate with the Latin word iter, which means “way” or “route.”
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11Jiemba Jiemba means “laughing star” originating with the Wiradjuri people. The Wiradjuri or an indigenous group native to New South Wales, Australia. While their name Jiemba is often interpreted as “laughing star,” it may also mean “Venus” or the “evening star.” In other Aboriginal languages, the similar word djimba also means star. [26] X Research source
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12Seong-Jin Seong-Jin is a Korean language that meshes together “star” or “planet” with “town” or “shake.” So, this may be the perfect name for a celestial being that’s looking to shake some things up! This name can also be spelled as Sung-jin or Song-jin, although the exact hanja used to write the name can alter its meaning.
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13Shihab Shihab means “shooting star” in Arabic. It can also mean “flame” or “meteor.” Fittingly, shooting stars symbolize beauty and wonder in Arabic culture, so this name is a perfect fit for anyone with these qualities! Historically, the name Shihab was given to influential people like important rulers, scholars, and warriors. [27] X Research source
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14Suhayl Suhayl is an Arabic name meaning “the star.” This name is widely associated with stargazing in Arabic culture, as it comes from the word Canopus that refers to a bright star in the Southern constellation of Carina. [28] X Research source Seafarers used to use Canopus as a navigation aid, so the name Suhayl is strongly associated with guidance, enlightenment, and knowledge.
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Ylli Ylli means “star” in Albanian. This name symbolizes brilliance, hope, aspiration, and a desire for prosperity. It’s very popular in Albania, and several prominent politicians and athletes in the country have been given this name. Ylli also has two feminine versions: Yllka and Yllita, both of which also mean “star.” [29] X Research source
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Section 3 of 11:
Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Star
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Dara Dara means “star” in Khmer, the language of Cambodia. In its original language, Dara is written as តារា. This name is also used in the Thai and Lao languages. Dara also means “compassionate” in Hebrew, so it makes a perfect name for any person who embodies a heavenly sense of empathy and kindness. [30] X Research source
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2Galaxy Galaxy is an English word that refers to billions of stars that are held together by gravitational attraction. The name comes from the Greek word galaxias , which means “a large system of stars.” It may also refer to Earth’s galaxy, the Milky Way, whose name came from the Greek word gala , meaning “milk.” Galaxy is a beautiful and expansive name for any person, signifying the grandeur and vastness of the world around us. [31] X Research source
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3Huang Huang means “shining” or “luminous” in Chinese. Traditionally used as a surname, Huang has become more popular as a forename in recent years. It actually means “bright” in its masculine form and “phoenix” in its feminine form, but both names may be used to apply to any gender.
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4Izar Izar is the name of a double star in the Boötes constellation, and it also means “star” in the Basque language of Spain. “Iz” means “energy” and “light” in Basque, so it’s easy to see why this name is a popular choice for anyone with an effervescent and enthusiastic spirit about them. As for the star itself, Izar is the second brightest star in the constellation of Boötes and was one of the first telescopically observed binary stars. [32] X Research source
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5Ulloriaq Ulloriaq is a unique and beautiful name that means “star” or “resembling a star.” The name originates with the Inuit peoples of Greenland, but it’s become popular across Western and English-speaking countries. Alternately spelled as “Uvdloriak,” the name Ulloriaq is pronounced “oo-raw-ee-ak.” [33] X Research source
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Whetū Whetū means “star” in Māori. Whetū can also refer to celestial bodies like comets, as well as stars, which the Māori people see as important indicators and omens of life events, failures, and successes. The word whetū appears in many significant areas of Māori culture and beliefs, including the phrase Ngā Ara Whetū (“star paths”) that refers to the journey of ancestors to the shores of New Zealand. [34] X Research source
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References
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