Stellar Monikers: 15 Celestial-Inspired Horse Names

Horses possess a grandeur and elegance that seems almost celestial, as though they descended from the stars themselves. Given their long-standing role in human history, these creatures merit names that reflect their nearly supernatural beauty, both inside and out.

Astronomy-Inspired Names for Horses

All of the distinctive names below are derived from celestial bodies, star patterns, and astronomical occurrences. Bestowing a meaningful name upon your horse or foal can deepen your connection; each time you speak it, you recall the significance it holds. Browse these options to find one that suits the foal, mare, gelding, or stallion joining your life—or any horse needing a fresh identity.

Names for horses based on stars, constellations, and other celestial bodies

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New foal waiting for an astronomical name

1. Altair

Altair holds the title of the brightest star in the Aquila constellation. It spins at an exceptionally high speed. The name is shortened from an Arabic expression that translates to “flying eagle.” Given the star’s link to velocity, this name suits a horse that is swift or loves to run at full speed.

2. Andromeda

Andromeda is one of the 88 recognized modern constellations and takes its name from Greek myth. In the story, Andromeda is the daughter of Cassiopeia. She is bound to a seaside rock as an offering to Cetus, a sea monster. The Greek hero Perseus rescues her.

The brightest star in Andromeda, Alpha Andromedae, is also regarded as part of the Pegasus constellation. Another star, Beta Andromedae, is a red giant. These dual associations make Andromeda a fitting name for a courageous mare who faces peril, or a lovely choice for a chestnut mare, echoing the red giant star.

3. Aurora

An aurora is Earth’s most stunning light show. The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, appears only in the far northern latitudes. The Southern Lights are visible near Antarctica. These lights ripple across the sky in countless colors. Aurora could suit many mares and foals, especially those with striking coat patterns like appaloosas, pintos, roans, or other flashy markings.

4. Barnard

Barnard 33 is commonly known as the Horsehead Nebula. This dark nebula lies within the Orion constellation, which depicts a giant archer in the northern sky. The nebula earns its name from its distinct shape and swirling dark gases that, from Earth, resemble a horse’s head.

Barnard would be a fitting name for a colt, stallion, or gelding with a dark coat or a volatile temperament.

A horse that could fit the astronomical name Barnard

5. Ceres

Ceres is a dwarf planet and the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Its surface is a mix of rock and ice. This name works for a horse of any gender. It might especially suit a grey or white horse, or a large, powerful one, given Ceres’ size.

6. Corona

The corona is the plasma halo surrounding stars, including our sun. It is most easily observed during a rare solar eclipse. The word means “crown” in Latin, and the corona appears as a golden ring. This name could be nice for a palomino, chestnut, or light bay mare.

7. Equinox

Two equinoxes occur each year: the vernal and the autumnal. These are the moments when the sun’s visible center is directly above the equator. During an equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length. Because of this balance, the name Equinox would be great for a horse with a steady, even temperament.

8. Herschel

Herschel is the surname of Caroline and William Herschel, early German astronomers who were siblings. William made numerous advances in telescope design and other astronomical instruments. Caroline was the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1828. This name is excellent for any intelligent or creative horse.

This grey horse has a twinkle in his eye that makes you think he could be a Herschel.

9. Kamaria

This Swahili girl’s name means “of the moon.” It would be a lovely choice for a grey, silver, black, or even roan mare or foal.

10. Luna

Luna is the divine embodiment of the moon in Roman mythology, opposite to the sun. Luna is a lovely name for any mare who enjoys playing in the fields at night or whose coat gleams in moonlight.

11. Polaris

Polaris, also known as the North Star or Pole Star, is the brightest star in Ursa Minor, the Lesser Bear constellation. It is a yellow supergiant. Because Polaris sits so far north and appears nearly motionless in the sky, sailors use it for navigation. This name suits a horse of either gender. It would be wonderful for a horse with a dependable, steady personality, or for a palomino, reflecting the star’s yellow supergiant nature.

This palomino would make a lovely Polaris.

12. Rigel

This blue supergiant is the brightest star in the Orion constellation. It is a young star still growing and is expected to become a supernova at some point in the future. This powerful name would be great for a young horse, a strong stallion or gelding, perhaps one with a bright, shiny coat.

13. Sagan

Carl Sagan was a globally renowned cosmologist, astrophysicist, astronomer, and astrobiologist. He conducted extensive research into the possibility of extraterrestrial life and sent the first messages into space. This name would be interesting for a horse that is curious about life, especially smart, or always finding a way out of his stall, the barn, or other enclosures.

14. Sirius

Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Its name comes from Greek words meaning “glowing” or “scorching.” Some call Sirius the Dog Star. Due to its brightness, it would be great for a male horse with a shining coat or a brilliant mind. The nickname Dog Star could also make this a good name for a horse that goes out with dogs or enjoys their company at the barn.

15. Stella

Stella is the name of a small impact crater on the moon’s surface. Because it is a fresh crater, it has a distinct ray system of bright markings radiating from the impact site. This name would be great for a mare or female foal with stockings or a blaze or other strong markings like the crater’s rays. It would also work for a mare with a star on her forehead, as Stella also means star.