Cosmic Wonders: Space Names for Babies

Perhaps you're inspired by NASA's Artemis I moon mission, or you're entranced by the images produced by the James Webb Space Telescope, or the very prospect of having a child is making you think about our place in the universe. For centuries, humans have gazed upward at the stars, drawing inspiration from celestial bodies for art, science, and even baby names. A cosmic-inspired name can bestow your child with a sense of wonder, exploration, and boundless potential. From constellations like Orion and Lyra to planets like Venus and Mars, the cosmos offers a rich tapestry of meaningful naming options. Even astronauts and astronomers like Neil, Buzz, and Hubble can provide inspiration for your little stargazer. Journey through this list of celestial baby names and you just might discover the perfect, out-of-this-world baby name for your little shooting star.

Inspired by the vast wonders of the cosmos, outer space themed names offer an ethereal quality perfect for your little star. From Luna and Stella evoking celestial bodies, to Orion and Andromeda representing magnificent constellations, these names carry both beauty and cosmic significance. Consider planetary options like Mars or Nova, moon-inspired choices such as Elara or Titan, or pay homage to pioneering astronauts with names like Armstrong or Valentina. Space exploration terms like Cosmo and Galaxy also make distinctive choices. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply drawn to the mystery of the universe, these celestial names will send you over the moon with their uniqueness and stellar meanings.

Space names for girls

Stella

Stella is a beautiful feminine name with Latin origins meaning "star." This celestial name has been popular for centuries and carries a sense of brightness and brilliance. Stella is perfect for parents who want a name that's both classic and cosmic, evoking images of twinkling stars in the night sky. The name has been featured in literature and music throughout history, adding to its timeless appeal. As a space-themed name, Stella directly connects your daughter to the wonders of the universe while maintaining an elegant, traditional sound.

Aurora

Aurora is a breathtaking celestial phenomenon known as the Northern Lights, created when solar particles interact with the Earth's atmosphere. Derived from Latin meaning "dawn" or "goddess of the dawn," this name carries a magical quality. With its soft sounds and connection to the cosmos, Aurora makes a beautiful and ethereal choice for a baby girl who is sure to shine as brightly as the spectacular light display she's named after.

Celestia

A heavenly choice for your little star, Celestia directly translates to "of the heavens" or "celestial" in Latin. This ethereal name embodies the vastness and wonder of the cosmos, making it perfect for parents seeking a name with astronomical significance. Celestia gained some popularity through its use in fantasy literature and animation, where it often represents characters associated with sky realms or celestial bodies. With its elegant sound and meaningful origins, Celestia offers your daughter a name that's both unique and connected to the majesty of outer space.

Luna

Luna is the Latin word for moon and the name of the ancient Roman goddess who personified the moon. The name has celestial connections across many cultures and has gained popularity for its ethereal quality. Luna is our Earth's only natural satellite and has fascinated humanity throughout history, inspiring countless scientific explorations and romantic notions. In astronomy, features on the moon are often named with Latin terms, further connecting this beautiful name to our cosmic neighbor. Luna offers parents a name that is simultaneously delicate and powerful, with deep roots in celestial mythology and space science.

Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia is a prominent constellation in the northern sky named after a queen in Greek mythology who was known for her vanity. As a celestial formation, Cassiopeia is easily recognizable by its distinctive W or M shape formed by five bright stars. In astronomical terms, this constellation is circumpolar in many northern latitudes, meaning it never sets below the horizon. The name carries a sense of regal beauty and cosmic significance, making it a bold and celestial choice for a baby girl with connections to both mythology and the stars.

Astrid

The name Astrid carries celestial significance, deriving from Old Norse roots meaning "divine beauty" or "god's strength." With its cosmic connotations, Astrid evokes the brilliance of distant stars and the vastness of the night sky. The name has gained popularity among parents seeking a celestial-themed name with both strength and elegance. Notable bearers include Swedish royalty and literary characters, adding cultural depth to this stellar choice. Astrid can be paired with nicknames like Asti or Ida for a more personalized touch, while maintaining its connection to the heavens.

Nova

Nova comes from the Latin word for "new" and refers to a star that suddenly becomes brighter before fading again. In astronomy, a nova occurs when a white dwarf star experiences a sudden nuclear fusion on its surface, creating a spectacular burst of light visible from Earth. As a baby name, Nova has been rising in popularity since the early 2000s, reaching the top 100 in recent years. This celestial name carries connotations of brightness, newness, and cosmic energy, making it perfect for parents seeking a name with astronomical significance and modern appeal.

Esther

Esther is a beautiful name with celestial connections, derived from the Persian word 'star' or possibly related to the goddess Ishtar, who was associated with the planet Venus. This timeless name carries both regal and cosmic significance, as Queen Esther from the Bible demonstrated great courage and wisdom, qualities as enduring as the stars themselves. The name has remained popular across cultures and generations, offering a subtle yet meaningful connection to the heavens for your little girl.

Space names for boys

Leo

Leo, Latin for "lion," is one of the most prominent constellations in the night sky and the fifth sign of the zodiac. People born between July 23 and August 22 fall under this fiery sign, known for their charisma, confidence, and natural leadership abilities. Like the celestial lion they represent, Leo babies tend to be bold, passionate, and protective of those they love. This powerful cosmic name has gained popularity in recent years for its short, strong sound and its regal celestial associations.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a mythical bird that cyclically regenerates and is reborn from its own ashes, symbolizing renewal and immortality. In astronomy, the Phoenix constellation is visible in the southern sky and was one of the 48 constellations listed by 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy. This powerful and evocative name also references the successful NASA Phoenix Mars Lander mission, which explored the Martian arctic in 2008 in search of conditions that could support life.

Titan

In Greek mythology, Titan refers to a race of powerful deities who ruled during the legendary Golden Age and were later overthrown by the Olympians. Today, the name evokes strength and cosmic significance. In our solar system, Titan is Saturn's largest moon and the second-largest natural satellite in the entire solar system. With its dense atmosphere and liquid methane lakes, it's one of the most Earth-like worlds we've discovered. The name Titan conveys power, uniqueness, and a connection to both ancient mythology and modern space exploration.

Aldrin

Aldrin is a distinctive name with direct ties to space exploration history, honoring Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The name carries a sense of adventure, discovery, and pioneering spirit. As a lunar module pilot alongside Neil Armstrong, Aldrin helped shape humanity's understanding of space travel and became a symbol of human achievement. The name has Norse origins meaning "old ruler" or "wise leader," adding depth to its already impressive space credentials. Choosing this name for a baby boy connects him to one of the most significant moments in human history while offering a unique and meaningful identity.

Galaxy

Galaxy is an uncommon but distinctive name derived from the Greek word 'galaxias', meaning 'milky' and referring to our own Milky Way. As a baby name, Galaxy evokes the vast, wondrous expanse of countless stars, planets, and celestial bodies. This cosmically-inspired name carries connotations of boundless potential, mystery, and brilliant luminosity, making it a bold choice for parents seeking a name as limitless as the universe itself.

Armstrong

Armstrong is a powerful surname-turned-first-name with deep connections to space exploration history. Most famously associated with Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The name itself has Old English origins meaning "strong arm" or "strong in the arm," perfectly symbolizing the strength and determination needed to venture into the unknown realms of outer space. Choosing this distinctive name for your baby boy honors one of humanity's greatest achievements while bestowing a sense of courage, pioneering spirit, and limitless potential that reaches for the stars.

Perseus

Perseus is an iconic name from Greek mythology, belonging to the legendary hero who slew Medusa and rescued Andromeda. In astronomy, Perseus is a prominent northern constellation, home to the famous Perseus Meteor Shower that creates spectacular celestial displays each August. The constellation also contains the notable star Algol, known as the 'Demon Star' due to its mysterious variations in brightness observed by ancient astronomers. Choosing Perseus for your baby boy offers a perfect blend of heroic strength and cosmic wonder, connecting him to both ancient stories and the vast beauty of our universe.

Rigel

Rigel is a brilliant blue-white supergiant star located in the constellation Orion, ranking as the seventh brightest star in the night sky. The name Rigel derives from Arabic and means "the left foot of the central one," referring to its position in the Orion constellation. In ancient Arabic astronomy, this magnificent celestial body was known as the "Foot of the Great One." Astronomers estimate that Rigel is approximately 860 light-years from Earth and shines with the luminosity of roughly 120,000 suns. This powerful yet elegant name carries a sense of cosmic grandeur and celestial significance, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an astronomical inspiration for their baby boy.

Unisex space names

Lyra

Lyra is a small but prominent constellation visible in the northern sky, named after the lyre—an ancient stringed instrument. In astronomy, Lyra contains Vega, one of the brightest stars in our night sky and part of the famous Summer Triangle. The name has celestial significance across multiple cultures and carries a melodious quality perfect for children of any gender. In Greek mythology, the lyre was associated with Apollo and later given to Orpheus, whose music was said to charm all living things. As a baby name, Lyra combines celestial wonder with artistic resonance, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful space-inspired name.

Nebula

Nebula is a celestial name that refers to a magnificent cloud of gas and dust in outer space. These cosmic structures are often considered the birthplaces of stars and can span hundreds of light-years across. Nebulae come in various stunning forms - from emission nebulae that glow with vibrant colors to dark nebulae that appear as shadowy silhouettes against bright backgrounds. The word originates from Latin, meaning 'cloud' or 'mist,' making it a mysteriously beautiful and ethereal choice for your little one who might one day reach for the stars.

Eclipse

Eclipse is a captivating celestial name that embodies both mystery and wonder. This powerful name refers to the breathtaking astronomical event when one celestial body temporarily obscures another—like when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. Eclipse carries a sense of rare beauty and transformation, as these celestial phenomena have inspired awe throughout human history. The name suggests something extraordinary and momentous, perfect for a child destined to make their own unique mark on the world. With its strong sound and cosmic significance, Eclipse offers a bold yet lyrical choice for parents seeking a name as distinctive as their little stargazer.

Comet

Comet is a celestial name that directly references one of space's most spectacular phenomena. Comets are icy celestial bodies that release gas and dust when they pass near the sun, creating a glowing tail that can stretch across the night sky. The word comes from the Greek 'komētēs' meaning 'long-haired star,' which poetically describes their appearance. As a name, Comet offers a bold, adventurous choice for parents seeking a name that symbolizes brightness, transience, and celestial beauty. While uncommon as a given name, it joins other astronomical names like Nova and Orion that have gained popularity among parents looking for names with cosmic significance.

Phoenix is a powerful celestial name with deep mythological roots and fascinating space connections. In astronomy, the Phoenix constellation is visible in the southern hemisphere and named after the legendary bird that rises from its own ashes. This symbolism of rebirth and immortality makes Phoenix a particularly meaningful choice. NASA has also honored the name through its Phoenix Mars Lander mission, which successfully explored the Martian arctic in 2008. As a unisex name growing in popularity, Phoenix offers the perfect blend of cosmic significance and mythical strength for parents looking to the stars for inspiration.

Star

Star is perhaps the most direct celestial name you could choose for your child, capturing the essence of those brilliant cosmic bodies that have guided explorers and inspired dreamers throughout human history. As a unisex name, Star embodies light, hope, and exceptional qualities—someone who stands out and shines in their own unique way. The name has been used across cultures with its various translations, and carries connotations of achievement, celebrity, and brilliance. Perfect for parents who want their child to have a name that's both familiar as a word but distinctive as a personal identifier.

Astro

Astro is a powerful celestial name with direct connections to outer space and the cosmos. Derived from the Greek word 'astron' meaning 'star,' this name embodies the wonder and magnificence of the universe. As a prefix used in terms like astronomy and astronaut, it conveys exploration, discovery, and cosmic adventure. The name has gained popularity in recent years as parents seek distinctive names that inspire a sense of limitless possibility. Astro works beautifully regardless of gender, making it a perfect choice for parents who want their child's name to reflect the infinite vastness and mystery of space.