Stella Name for Afghan Hound

“Nova” means “new” in Latin, but in astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly becomes dramatically brighter before fading again over weeks or months. The name carries connotations of brightness, surprise, and new beginnings. It feels modern, energetic, and full of light.

Nova comes from Latin for “new.” It was first used in the astronomical sense in the 17th century (short for stella nova, “new star”) to describe stars that suddenly brighten. As a name, Nova has been around since the 19th century but has become especially popular in recent years, denoting newness and brilliance.

“Vega” is the name of one of the brightest stars in the sky, in the constellation Lyra. The name comes from Arabic and means “swooping eagle.” Vega is often associated with the Lyre (harp) due to its constellation, blending imagery of a flying predator with harmonious music. It’s a short name that sounds both strong and melodious.

Vega comes from the Arabic phrase an-nasr al-waqi‘, “the falling/swooping eagle.” Adopted into Western star charts as Vega, it’s been used as a star name for centuries. As a personal name, it’s more common as a surname or in cultures like Spanish (meaning “meadow” there), but in English it’s rare and highlights the star’s significance. It evokes brightness and a hint of music (with its constellation Lyra).

“Sirius” is the brightest star in the night sky, often called the Dog Star, located in the constellation Canis Major. The name means “scorcher” in Greek, referencing its brilliance. It represents luminosity, guidance (as it was important in ancient navigation), and a bit of canine cosmic lore given its nickname and place in myth.

Sirius comes from Greek seirios (“glowing” or “scorching”). It’s been used to refer to the brightest star since antiquity (integral to Egyptian and Greek calendars and myths). As a name, it’s rare but recognized, carrying the weight of astronomy and legend (like the Harry Potter character).

“Luna” means “moon” in Latin. The name reflects the moon’s qualities: glowing gentle light, cycles of change, and a serene presence in the night sky. It conveys a sense of calm, beauty, and perhaps a touch of mystery. Luna often symbolizes the divine feminine and has a soothing, rhythmic connotation due to lunar phases.

Luna is Latin for “moon” and also the name of the Roman moon goddess. As a given name, it has been used in European languages for centuries but surged in popularity globally in the 21st century. It evokes the moon’s beauty and calm.

“Altair” is the name of a star, the brightest in the constellation Aquila. The name comes from Arabic, meaning “the flying eagle.” It represents swiftness and the majesty of the eagle in the heavens. Altair has a crisp, adventurous sound, carrying the mystique of the night sky and ancient star-gazers.

Altair is derived from the Arabic phrase al-nasr al-tair, “the flying eagle.” It’s been known in Western astronomy by that name (Altair) since medieval times. While very rare as a given name, it has seen occasional use due to its exotic sound and connection to the stars. It signifies swiftness and elevation.

“Selene” is the Greek goddess personifying the Moon. The name itself means “moon” in Greek. Selene embodies the gentle light of the full moon and the eternal night journey across the sky. It suggests a tranquil, glowing beauty and has an ancient, poetic luster.

Selene comes directly from Greek, where Selene was the Moon personified as a goddess and literally means “moon.” As a name it was used in ancient times and revived in the 19th century. It carries connotations of lunar beauty and calm, making it a fitting choice for a serene, pale-coated beauty.

“Noor” means “light” in Arabic. It conveys illumination, brightness, and clarity. As a name, it often signifies someone who brings light or has a radiant personality. It’s short but impactful, with a soft resonance that belies its powerful meaning.

Noor (also spelled Nur or Nour) is Arabic for “light.” It’s used in many Islamic cultures as both a male and female name, sometimes in combination (e.g., Noor-ul-Ain, “light of the eye”). It came to broader Western attention via Queen Noor. In any language, it symbolizes brightness and enlightenment.

“Ebony” is a dense black hardwood, often used to craft fine furniture or piano keys due to its color and durability. The word has come to simply mean a deep, rich black shade. Ebony suggests elegance, smoothness, and a natural beauty that is dark and lustrous.

Ebony comes from the Greek/Latin word ebenus (via Old French ebeni), referring to the ebony tree/wood from Africa and India. It’s been an English word for the color/wood since the 17th century. As a name, Ebony saw some popularity in the late 20th century, valued for its reference to deep black beauty.