Najm is an Arabic masculine name that literally means “star”. The word also appears in the Quran as the name of Surah An-Najm, which translates to “The Star”. For parents looking for a short name with a clear meaning and religious significance, Najm offers a direct link to both language and tradition.
Parveen comes from Persian Parvin, the name of the Pleiades, a cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus. Used as a feminine name in Iran and as a gender-neutral name in India, it has a celestial meaning rooted in astronomy. It is a familiar South Asian name with a connection to the wider night sky. Sohail is the Urdu form of the Arabic name Suhail, associated with Canopus, one of the brightest stars visible in Earth’s night sky. The name is traditionally masculine and has long been used across South Asia and the Middle East. Rather than simply meaning star, Sohail connects a child’s name to a specific celestial object.
The name also means “one who knocks at the door” or “night visitor”. Asteria comes from ancient Greek and means “starry”. Izar means “star” in Basque, a language spoken in parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. Sitarah is a Persian feminine name meaning “star”. Hoshi is Japanese for “star” and can be used as a given name, although its meaning and reading depend on the characters chosen. Tara means “star” in Sanskrit and is a feminine name used in India and other South Asian countries. Stella means “star” in Latin and has been used as a feminine name for centuries.
Tariq is an Arabic masculine name associated with the morning star, traditionally identified with Venus when it appears before sunrise. Its connection to the celestial world gives this familiar name an additional layer of meaning. In Greek mythology, Asteria was a Titan goddess associated with falling stars and nighttime divination. Traditionally feminine, the name has a mythological depth that goes beyond its celestial meaning. It is an appealing choice for parents who like names with stories behind them. The name is gender-neutral and has a compact, distinctive sound that travels well across languages. For parents who want a celestial name less familiar than Stella, Izar offers a direct connection to the night sky. It is similar to the Indian name Tara, but with more flair. It has a lyrical sound and a meaning immediately connected to the night sky. Persian has a rich tradition of celestial imagery in poetry and literature, making Sitarah a fitting choice for parents looking for a name that feels expressive. Short, distinctive and easy to remember, Hoshi is a lovely option for parents drawn to Japanese names and their connection to the natural world. In Hindu mythology, Tara is associated with the stars and is the wife of Brihaspati, the divine teacher. The name also holds significance in Buddhism, where Tara is a revered figure associated with protection and compassion. The name gained literary recognition through the 16th-century poet Philip Sidney’s sonnet collection Astrophel and Stella. Classic without feeling dated, Stella is a familiar choice across English, Italian and German-speaking countries.
