10 celestial baby names inspired by the cosmos
Choosing a celestial name: meaning, context, care
Many Hindu families find inspiration for baby names in the sky — the sun, moon, stars, planets and their stories. Names drawn from the cosmos often carry layered meanings: literal astronomy, ritual use in Vedic texts, mythic narratives and devotional associations. Different communities (Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta, Smārta) may emphasise different traditions; where interpretations differ, families usually follow their own lineage or priestly guidance. Below are ten such names with meanings, cultural notes and simple pronunciation cues to help you decide.
Ten celestial names and their contexts
1. Surya
Surya — the Sun. Pronunciation: soor-ya. In the Vedas, Sūrya appears as the luminous solar deity whose daily path is central to ritual timekeeping. Surya is commonly used for boys but can be adapted into feminine forms (e.g., Surya as a modern gender-neutral choice). Associated festivals: Ratha Saptami, Sūrya-related stotras. Many families respect Surya as a life-giving presence rather than a sectarian symbol.
2. Chandra / Soma
Chandra — the Moon; Soma — both the Moon deity and the ancient ritual drink. Pronunciations: chun-dra, so-ma. The moon governs the Hindu tithi (lunar day) used across calendars and festivals. Chandra is often a male name; Soma is used for boys and occasionally gender-neutrally. In Vedic literature, Soma is also linked to ritual potency; in later devotional stories Chandra features in myths about waxing and waning.
3. Dhruva
Dhruva — the immovable, often identified with the pole star (Dhruva Tārā). Pronunciation: dhoo-ru-va. The child Dhruva, celebrated in the Purāṇas (Bhāgavata Purāṇa narratives), exemplifies steadfast devotion. The name suggests stability, focus and aspiration toward the fixed point in the sky. Traditionally used for boys, it is also chosen today for its symbolic steadiness regardless of gender.
4. Tārā
Tārā — star; also a goddess in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Pronunciation: taa-raa. In some Śākta and Buddhist lineages Tārā is a compassionate deity; in wider usage the word simply means “star” and carries gentle, protective connotations. Widely used as a feminine name; note that religious meanings vary across communities and are honoured differently.
5. Rohini
Rohini — a Nakshatra (lunar mansion). Pronunciation: ro-hee-nee. Rohini is one of the 27 nakshatras in classical Jyotiṣa (astrology) and appears in myth as a favourite consort of Chandra in several tellings. As a given name it is common for girls and evokes fertility, beauty and the reddish hue associated with the star cluster historically called Rohini.
6. Kṛttikā (Krittika)
Krittikā — the Pleiades stars; the six Krittikā mothers who raised Kārttikeya in Purāṇic stories. Pronunciation: krit-tee-kaa or krit-ti-ka. This name is traditionally feminine and ties to the Kartik month and the warrior-god Skanda in some legends. Families choosing it may appreciate its epic resonance and seasonal festival connections (e.g., Kartik Purnima observances).
7. Bṛhaspati
Brihaspati — the planet Jupiter and the guru (teacher) of the devas in Vedic literature. Pronunciation:
8. Jyoti / Jyotirmaya
Jyoti — light; Jyotirmaya — filled with light. Pronunciations: jyo-ti, jyo-tir-ma-ya. Rooted in the word for illumination, these names are flexible for boys, girls or non-binary use. They appear in devotional poetry and modern usage alike. Variants and compounds (Jyotika, Jyotindra) offer options for sound and gender balance.
9. Anuradha
Anuradha — a nakshatra and a common feminine name. Pronunciation: a-nu-ra-dha. Anuradha carries devotional and sociable connotations in classical astrological descriptions; as a name it is lyrical and widely used across linguistic communities. Families value its literary and astrological echoes while noting interpretive differences among pundits.
10. Soma
Soma — included again for emphasis as both lunar deity and sacred Vedic element; useful for parents seeking a short, classical name with ancient ritual resonance. Pronunciation: so-ma. Some families prefer Soma for its cosmic and ritual layers; others may opt for Chandra to emphasise lunar calendar connections.
Quick comparison
| Name | Meaning / Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surya | Sun, Vedic deity | Solar festivals; often masculine but adaptable |
| Chandra / Soma | Moon / lunar deity; Soma also Vedic ritual drink | Central to tithi; used across genders |
| Dhruva | Pole star; Purāṇic devotee | Steadiness, aspirational tale |
| Tārā | Star; goddess in multiple traditions | Feminine; cross-traditional reverence |
| Rohini | Nakshatra; mythic consort of Chandra | Feminine; astrological and seasonal links |
| Krittikā | Pleiades; mothers of Kārttikeya | Feminine; Purāṇic and festival ties |
| Brihaspati | Jupiter; divine teacher | Masculine; wisdom/guru connotations |
| Jyoti | Light, radiance | Highly adaptable across genders |
| Anuradha | Nakshatra; devotional associations | Feminine; lyrical and popular |
| Soma | Lunar deity / Vedic elixir | Short classical name with ritual depth |
Practical guidance
- Consider family tradition: many communities consult a Namakarana (naming) ritual timing tied to tithi or nakshatra. Practices vary; check with elders or your family priest.
- Pronunciation and flow: test how the name pairs with surname and nicknames. Short and long forms both matter.
- If astrology (Jyotiṣa) matters to you, consult a knowledgeable practitioner from your tradition — interpretations differ across schools.
- Be mindful that sacred names carry cultural weight; choosing a name out of respect for its background helps families and communities honour those traditions.
Final note: Each name here has multiple layers — linguistic root, ritual use, mythic story and living devotional practice. This brief guide aims to present those layers without insisting on a single interpretation. Families often blend meanings, sounds and lineage to find the name that feels right.
