I still remember the Tuesday morning I realized my son needed a name that wasn’t just a label, but a destination. I was standing in the backyard at 2:00 AM, exhausted and terrified, staring up at Orion’s Belt. The world felt chaotic, but that constellation was steady. It had been there for the Romans, for the Vikings, and now for me. I wanted to give my kid a piece of that permanence. I wanted a name that gave him roots in the soil but kept his eyes locked on the sky.
Naming a human is the first terrifying job of fatherhood. You define their identity before you even see their face. If you want a moniker that screams adventure, resilience, and a touch of the infinite, you have to look up.
We’ve pulled together the Best Space Baby Names with Meanings to help you find that cosmic link. Whether you want a classic like Stella or a maverick choice like Tiberius, this list covers the universe.
Also Read: Best Italian Last Names with Meanings and Best Names Starting With A with Meanings
Key Takeaways
- Cosmic names are forever: Mythology and astronomy don’t age like trends do.
- Story is everything: Knowing the history behind a star adds a layer of depth you can’t fake.
- Gender is fluid in space: Names like Nova, Sky, and Ariel are shifting boundaries beautifully.
- Geek out proudly: Naming your kid after a sci-fi legend is a badge of honor in 2024.
Why do we look to the stars for identity?
There is something deeply primal about craning your neck to look at the night sky. Our ancestors didn’t see burning balls of gas; they saw hunters, queens, bears, and rivers. They projected their greatest stories onto the canvas of the universe. When you pick a name from the cosmos, you aren’t just choosing a sound that flows with your surname. You are choosing a legacy.
I tried hard to sell my wife on “Galileo.” She shot it down immediately—too much pressure for a toddler, she said. We settled on something more grounded, but I never lost that itch to link my child to the vastness above. Naming your baby after a celestial body creates an instant connection to something bigger than bills, traffic, and the daily grind.
Which star names for girls shine the brightest?
Stars have been guiding sailors home for thousands of years. Giving your daughter a stellar name suggests she is brilliant, warm, and constant.
- Adhara: You won’t hear this one on every playground. It comes from the star Epsilon Canis Majoris and means “maidens,” but it sounds fiercely modern.
- Alpha: The first letter. The leader. It designates the brightest star in a constellation, perfect for a firstborn.
- Alula: It has a rhythmic bounce to it. It means “the first leap,” which feels incredibly appropriate for a new life.
- Andromeda: A galaxy, a constellation, and a mythical princess. It means “ruler of men,” so expect some attitude.
- Antares: A supergiant star that glows red. It means “rival to Ares,” suggesting a fiery spirit.
- Astra: Short, punchy, and Latin for “star.” It’s elegant without trying too hard.
- Asterope: One of the Pleiades sisters. It’s a mouthful, but “Asti” is a cute nickname.
- Astrid: A Scandinavian powerhouse meaning “divinely beautiful.” It feels vintage and fresh at the same time.
- Aurora: The Northern Lights. It represents the dawn and is visually stunning.
- Bellatrix: Yes, the Harry Potter villain made it famous, but it’s actually the “female warrior” star in Orion. Reclaim it.
- Bianca: A moon of Uranus. It means “white” or “pure” and has a lovely Shakespearean vibe.
- Calypso: A moon of Saturn. In myth, she was a nymph who enchanted Odysseus. Enchanting is the right word.
- Capella: The sixth brightest star up there. It means “little goat,” which is adorable for a climbing toddler.
- Cassiopeia: A constellation named after a vain Queen. The “W” shape in the sky is unmistakable.
- Celeste: It literally means “heavenly.” You can’t get more on-the-nose than that.
- Chara: A star in Canes Venatici. It means “joy,” and honestly, we need more of that.
- Cordelia: The inner moon of Uranus. It means “jewel of the sea,” blending ocean and sky vibes.
- Cressida: Another Shakespearean moon of Uranus. It sounds sophisticated and regal.
- Danica: A Slavic beauty meaning “morning star.”
- Dara: Simple and strong, meaning “star” in Khmer.
- Diana: The Roman goddess of the moon. Wonder Woman uses it, so it’s got superhero credentials.
- Elara: A moon of Jupiter. It sounds lyrical and soft.
- Electra: One of the Seven Sisters. It means “amber” or “shining” and has a crackle of energy to it.
- Estelle: Old-school French cool. It means “star” and is making a huge comeback.
- Esther: The Persian origin of “star.” It has a biblical weight to it.
- Faye: It sounds like a fairy tale, but it’s actually a crater on the moon.
- Gemma: The “jewel” of the Northern Crown. It sparkles.
- Halley: Like the comet. It’s familiar but rarely used, which is the sweet spot.
- Hesper: Meaning “evening star.” It feels a bit mysterious.
- Hinda: Yiddish for “doe,” often linked to celestial folklore.
- Ida: An asteroid, meaning “industrious one.” Perfect for a hard worker.
- Izar: A binary star in Boötes. It translates to “veil,” suggesting hidden depths.
- Juliet: A moon of Uranus. The romantic tragedy is there, but the name is timeless.
- Juno: A spacecraft and the Roman queen of the gods. It’s punchy and commands respect.
- Larissa: A moon of Neptune. It sounds like a name from the 90s, but the cosmic tie refreshes it.
- Leda: A moon of Jupiter. Short, simple, and ancient.
- Leia: You know her. You love her. The General. It means “weary,” but she never stopped fighting.
- Libra: The scales. If she’s born in late September, this is a cool nod to balance.
- Luna: Direct Latin for “moon.” It’s incredibly popular right now, but for good reason.
- Lyra: The harp constellation. It’s musical and light.
- Maia: The “mother” of the Pleiades. Great for a nurturing soul.
- Meissa: The head of Orion. It means “the shining one.”
- Mimosa: Yes, the drink, but also a bright star in the Southern Cross. Maybe save this for a middle name.
- Miranda: A moon of Uranus. It means “admirable.”
- Nashira: “Bearer of good news” in Capricorn. That’s a great legacy to give a kid.
- Norma: A small constellation. It feels very grandmotherly, which is trendy again.
- Nova: A star that explodes into brightness. It means “new” and feels incredibly energetic.
- Ophelia: A moon of Uranus. Just ignore the Hamlet ending; the name is gorgeous.
- Pandora: A moon of Saturn. It means “all gifted.”
- Phoebe: A moon of Saturn. It means “radiant,” which is exactly what you want a baby to be.
- Portia: A moon of Uranus. A strong name for a lawyer in the making.
- Rhea: Named after the Titan mother of gods. It has an earthy, grounded feel.
- Rosalind: A moon of Uranus. “Pretty rose.”
- Roxana: Meaning “little star” or “dawn.” It has a rockstar edge to it.
- Selene: The Greek personification of the moon. Ethereal and lovely.
- Shaula: The “stinger” of Scorpius. A name with a bit of bite.
- Sidra: Latin for “like a star.”
- Sitara: “Star” in Hindi. It flows beautifully.
- Soleil: French for “Sun.” It sounds warm and bright.
- Soraya: The Persian name for the Pleiades. It sounds exotic and rich.
- Star: Why beat around the bush? Sometimes the direct approach wins.
- Stella: Latin for “star.” It’s a classic that never feels dusty.
- Talitha: A star in Ursa Major. It sounds melodic.
- Tara: Sanskrit for “star.” Simple and universal.
- Titania: The Queen of the Fairies and a moon of Uranus. It’s grand.
- Ursa: “Bear.” Whether she’s a Big Dipper or Little Dipper, she’ll be fierce.
- Vega: The brightest star in Lyra. It means “swooping eagle.”
- Venus: The planet of love. Bold, but iconic.
- Vesper: Latin for “evening star.” It sounds like a whisper.
- Zaniah: A star in Virgo. It sounds modern and zesty.
- Zeta: The sixth Greek letter. Catherine Zeta-Jones put it on the map, but the stars own it.
Can a boy’s name carry the weight of a galaxy?
Masculine space names tend to lean into strength, gravity, and history. We’re talking about ancient gods and rocket scientists here. You want a name that can anchor a boy while he aims high.
- Abe: Honest Abe, sure, but also “Father of Many” stars. It’s sturdy.
- Acrux: The brightest star in the Southern Cross. It sounds like a sci-fi hero.
- Adair: A twist on the star Altair. It feels distinguished.
- Aerglo: A riff on “Airglow,” the natural night light. It’s unique.
- Aidan: “Little fire.” Stars are just big fires, right?
- Altair: The flying eagle star. It sounds like he should be jumping off rooftops (in a safe way).
- Apollo: The NASA mission and the Sun God. It’s hard to beat this for pedigree.
- Archer: For Sagittarius. It’s cool, skilled, and focused.
- Aries: The Ram. It implies energy and headstrong determination.
- Armstrong: Neil. The first man to walk on another world. That is a heavy, wonderful legacy.
- Arthur: Likely comes from “Arcturus,” the bear guard. Kingly and cosmic.
- Astro: It means “of the stars.” It’s retro-cool, not just for cartoon dogs anymore.
- Atlas: He held up the sky. If you want a strong name, this is the heavyweight champion.
- Badar: Arabic for “full moon.” It sounds strong.
- Buzz: Aldrin. It’s energetic, punchy, and fun.
- Caelum: A southern constellation meaning “chisel.” For the boy who builds things.
- Castor: The mortal Gemini twin.
- Cetus: The whale. A big presence in the sky.
- Comet: Fast, bright, and impactful.
- Cosmo: It means “order” in the universe. Kramer made it funny, but it’s actually very sophisticated.
- Cyrus: Persian for “sun.” It sounds regal.
- Draco: The dragon. Harry Potter made it mean, but dragons are protectors too.
- Eich: German roots, referring to the immensity of space.
- Elio: From Helios, the sun god. Call Me By Your Name made it trendy.
- Endymion: The shepherd loved by the moon. A romantic choice.
- Eos: The dawn. Short and sweet.
- Falcon: Like the SpaceX rocket. Or the bird. Both are fast.
- Finlay: “Fair warrior,” shining like the sun.
- Galileo: The man who changed how we see the universe.
- Gagan: “The sky” in Sanskrit.
- Glenn: John Glenn. An American hero.
- Hamal: The brightest star in Aries. Meaning “lamb,” which is a nice contrast.
- Hoku: “Star” in Hawaiian.
- Holmes: A periodic comet. It sounds intellectual.
- Hunter: The English translation of Orion. Very popular.
- Hyperion: A Titan and a moon of Saturn. It sounds huge.
- Isaac: Newton. The guy who figured out gravity.
- Janus: The two-faced moon. Great for a Gemini.
- Jericho: “City of the moon.” It has a cool rhythm.
- Jupiter: The King. You have to be a big personality to pull this off.
- Kale: A moon of Jupiter. Spelling it this way avoids the vegetable association (mostly).
- Kepler: Johannes Kepler. A smart name for a smart kid.
- Kuiper: The belt at the edge of the system. Distinctive.
- Leo: The Lion. The most popular boy’s star name for a reason.
- Lintang: Indonesian for “star.”
- Lucian: “Light.” It sounds smooth.
- Luke: Skywalker. “Light giving.” It works on every level.
- Mars: The warrior. It’s aggressive but cool.
- Mercury: The messenger. Fast and witty.
- Meteor: For the boy who crashes into everything.
- Nash: The Gamma star in Sagittarius.
- Neil: Armstrong again. A classic old-man name that is fresh again.
- Neptune: The God of the Sea. Deep and mysterious.
- Oberon: King of Fairies and a moon.
- Orion: The Hunter. My personal favorite constellation. It’s strong.
- Orpheus: A musician and an asteroid.
- Pallas: An asteroid.
- Perseus: The hero who saved Andromeda.
- Phoenix: The bird that rises. A constellation.
- Pluto: The underdog. Everyone loves Pluto.
- Pollux: The immortal Gemini twin.
- Qamar: “Moon” in Arabic.
- Rasalas: A star in Leo.
- Regulus: The Prince. The heart of the lion.
- Rigel: The blue supergiant in Orion. Brighter than the sun.
- Rocket: It’s an object, not a star, but it gets you there.
- Rory: “Red King.” Like Mars.
- Sagan: Carl Sagan. The man who made us love the cosmos.
- Samson: Hebrew for “sun.” Strongest man in the Bible.
- Saros: The eclipse cycle.
- Saturn: The ringed beauty.
- Scorpio: The scorpion. Dangerous.
- Shepherd: Alan Shepard.
- Sirius: The Dog Star. The brightest star in our sky.
- Solar: Of the sun.
- Solomon: Wise and sunny.
- Stellan: Like Stella, but for boys.
- Tariq: The morning star.
- Taurus: The Bull. Stubborn but reliable.
- Thaddeus: “Heart.” Sounds ancient.
- Themis: An asteroid.
- Titan: A moon. A giant.
- Triton: Neptune’s big moon.
- Tycho: Tycho Brahe. He had a metal nose. Look it up.
- Vulcan: Spock’s home.
- Wolf: Constellation Lupus.
- Zenith: The peak.
- Zeke: “God strengthens.” A shooting star.
- Zodiac: The circle of life in the sky.
Are gender-neutral names the new frontier?
The universe doesn’t care about boys or girls. It just is. These names are perfect for parents who want to avoid the pink/blue binary and just pick a great name.
- Aerglo: Listed again because it truly works for anyone.
- Alpha: Leadership knows no gender.
- Altair: Eagles fly regardless.
- Ariel: A moon of Uranus. A lion of God. Works for mermaids and warriors.
- Aster: A flower and a star.
- Atom: The smallest unit.
- Axis: The center of rotation.
- Azure: The color of a perfect sky.
- Blake: “Dark” or “light.”
- Callisto: A nymph, a moon, a cool name.
- Charon: Pluto’s moon. A bit dark, but edgy.
- Cielo: “Sky” in Spanish.
- Dakota: “Friend.” Open skies.
- Deneb: A supergiant.
- Eden: Paradise planet.
- Equinox: The balance of day and night.
- Etoile: French stars.
- Galaxy: Why pick one star when you can have them all?
- Gemini: Twins.
- Halo: Angelic light.
- Haven: A safe space.
- Heaven: The ultimate sky.
- Infinity: Buzz Lightyear’s destination.
- Io: A volcanic moon. Short, explosive name.
- Jerriel: An angel.
- Journey: Don’t stop believing.
- Juno: Historically female, but sounds cool on a boy too.
- Jupiter: Big energy.
- Kennedy: JFK sent us to the moon.
- Kieran: Little dark one.
- Light: Simple.
- Lucien/Lucienne: Light variations.
- Lux: Latin light.
- Lyra: The harp.
- Mars: Mars is fighting its way into the girls’ list too.
- Meridian: The dividing line.
- Midnight: Mysterious.
- Moon: Frank Zappa did it. You can too.
- Morgan: Sea circle.
- Nasa: For the true superfan.
- Nebula: A cloud where stars are born.
- North: A direction. A star. A Kardashian.
- Nova: It explodes. It’s new. It works for everyone.
- Ocean: The cosmic ocean.
- Parrish: Near the stars.
- Phoenix: Rising from ashes.
- Polaris: The Guiding Star.
- Rain: From the clouds.
- Ray: Sunbeam.
- Rene: Reborn.
- Rio: River of stars.
- Robin: Bright fame.
- Rocket: Go fast.
- Rory: Red King.
- Sage: Wisdom.
- Sam: Sun.
- Shadow: Dark side.
- Shams: Sun.
- Silver: Moon color.
- Sky / Skye: The OG nature name.
- Solar: Sunny.
- Solstice: Longest or shortest day.
- Spark: Ignition.
- Star: Do it.
- Storm: Jupiter’s weather.
- Sunny: Happy.
- Terra: Earth.
- Twilight: Vampires aside, it’s a beautiful time of day.
- Umbra: Shadow.
- Vega: Bright.
- Vesper: Evening.
- Winter: Cold space.
- Zenith: The top.
- Zephyr: Wind.
- Zion: High point.
What about names from Sci-Fi Legends?
We can’t have this conversation without talking about the fiction that fueled the science. I grew up with a plastic lightsaber clipped to my belt. My dad watched Star Trek religiously. These characters feel like family.
- Adama: Battlestar Galactica. The Commander. A leader of men.
- Alia: Dune. “Sublime.” Paul Atreides’ sister.
- Anakin: Star Wars. Look, he breaks bad, but the name “Warrior” is strong.
- Arwen: Lord of the Rings. The Evenstar. Technically fantasy, but she’s starlight.
- Bender: Futurama. Maybe for a dog?
- Ben: Old Ben Kenobi.
- Boba: The Fett.
- Buck: Buck Rogers. Old school cool.
- Cora: The Expanse.
- Darth: Okay, maybe too evil.
- Data: Star Trek. For the smart kid.
- Deckard: Blade Runner. Noir cool.
- Doctor: Doctor Who. A title, not a name? Maybe.
- Ender: Ender’s Game. A tactical genius.
- Ezra: Rebels.
- Finn: The Force Awakens. A hero who chose his own path.
- Flash: Gordon. Savior of the universe.
- Fox: Mulder. He wants to believe.
- Gamora: Guardians. The deadliest woman in the galaxy.
- Geordi: Star Trek. The engineer.
- Han: The scoundrel. “God is gracious.”
- Hera: The pilot in Rebels. Also the Queen of Gods.
- Holden: The Expanse. The moral compass.
- Jabba: Just kidding. Don’t.
- Jayne: Firefly. The hero of Canton. A man’s name.
- Jean-Luc: Star Trek. The diplomat.
- Jedi: A bold middle name.
- Jyn: Rogue One. Rebellious hope.
- Kael: General sci-fi vibe.
- Kal-El: Superman.
- Kara: Starbuck. The best pilot in the fleet.
- Katniss: The Mockingjay.
- Kaylee: Firefly. The heart of the ship.
- Kirk: The Captain.
- Kylo: Emo villain, but cool name.
- Lando: Charisma personified.
- Leeloo: Fifth Element. Perfect being.
- Leonard: Bones.
- Malcolm: Reynolds. The Captain.
- Morpheus: He knows the truth.
- Mulder: Spooky.
- Neo: The One.
- Nyota: Uhura’s first name. It literally means “star.”
- Obi: The master.
- Padme: The Queen.
- Picard: Make it so.
- Poe: The best pilot.
- Quinn: Sliders.
- Rey: The scavenger who became a Jedi.
- Riddick: Eyes shine in the dark.
- Ripley: Alien. The ultimate survivor.
- River: Tam or Song. Both crazy, both brilliant.
- Rogue: Leader.
- Rose: Doctor Who. The Bad Wolf.
- Serenity: The ship. A leaf on the wind.
- Spock: Logical.
- Starbuck: Nothing but rain.
- Sulu: Oh my.
- Tiberius: Kirk’s middle name. It’s Roman and tough.
- Trinity: She can dodge bullets.
- Uhura: Communications officer. She opened channels.
- Vader: Again, maybe too dark.
- West: Adam West.
- Xena: Warrior Princess.
- Zoe: Firefly. “Life.” Second in command.
Does the meaning actually matter?
Let’s be real—some people just pick a name because it sounds good. I almost did that. I had “Orion” locked and loaded just because I liked the vowels. But then I sat down and read the mythology—the hunter, the strength, the eternal chase across the night sky. That context changed it from a “cool word” to a “strong identity.”
When you dig into the meanings, you find buried treasure. Adhara isn’t just a pretty sound; it’s a commitment to nobility. Kepler isn’t just a scientist; it represents an unquenchable thirst for answers.
Choosing from the best space baby names with meanings allows you to give your child a backstory before they even take their first breath. You are essentially telling them, “The world is big, but you are bright enough to be seen in it.”
Tips for choosing the right Cosmic Name
- The Shout Test: Stand at your back door and yell “Planetary Nebula Smith!” If you feel ridiculous, scrap it.
- The Initials Game: If you name him Ash Star Stevenson, middle school will destroy him. Check the letters.
- Nickname Potential: Callisto is beautiful, but are you okay with “Callie”? Copernicus is dignified, but “Copper” is inevitable.
- Balance is everything: If your last name is Smith, you can get away with Andromeda. If your last name is “Schwarzenegger,” maybe stick to Leo.
I remember my grandfather pointing a shaking finger at the North Star when I was six years old. “It doesn’t move,” he told me. “Everything else spins around it, but that one stays true.” That memory is burned into my brain. When we look for names, we are looking for that North Star—something steady, something bright, something that guides us home when we get lost.
Space is the final frontier, but it’s also where we came from. We are made of starstuff, as Sagan famously said. Giving your child a name from this list is just acknowledging that fact. Whether you choose a name that roars like Leo or glows like Luna, you are giving them a piece of the universe.
For more information on the actual stars behind these names, you can visit the NASA Solar System Exploration page to see exactly what you are naming your little astronaut after.
Choose wisely. The universe is waiting.
FAQs
Why should I consider space-themed names for my child?
Space-themed names evoke a sense of adventure, resilience, and connection to the universe, offering timeless significance rooted in mythology and astronomy that can give your child a sense of legacy and a profound identity.
What are some popular girl space names with meaningful origins?
Popular girl space names include Andromeda, Aurora, Astrid, Bellatrix, Luna, and Cassiopeia, each carrying meanings tied to stars, celestial phenomena, or mythological figures that suggest brilliance, beauty, and strength.
Can a boy’s name from space carry strong and historic significance?
Yes, boys’ space names like Atlas, Apollo, Orion, Atlas, and Magnus are imbued with strength, celestial history, and legendary origins, making them ideal for a child destined for greatness.
How important is the meaning behind a space name when choosing it for my child?
The meaning adds depth and a backstory to the name, transforming it from a mere label into a symbol of nobility, strength, or curiosity, which can influence your child’s sense of identity and legacy.
Are gender-neutral space names a suitable choice for modern parents?
Yes, gender-neutral space names such as Astra, Sky, Orion, and Nova reflect the universe’s indifference to gender and are excellent choices for parents seeking inclusive, versatile names that embody cosmic wonder and universal appeal.
