Latin is the language of the ancient Romans and holds a unique place in astronomy and mythology. Its deep, powerful sound makes it ideal for naming celestial bodies, characters, or fantasy worlds. In this guide, we explore Latin names of stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies, along with their mythological origins. Whether you’re a writer, gamer, or worldbuilder, this collection offers inspiration for your next creation.
Latin Names of Major Celestial Bodies in the Solar System
The Sun and Moon – Eternal Lights
- Sol (The Sun)
The center of our solar system and source of light and life. Named after the Roman sun god Sol. - Luna (The Moon)
Earth’s only natural satellite. Its Latin name is derived from the Roman moon goddess Luna.
The Planets – Named After Gods
- Mercurius (Mercury)
Closest planet to the Sun, named after Mercurius, the Roman god of commerce and communication. - Venus (Venus)
Bright and beautiful, named after the goddess of love and beauty. - Terra (Earth)
Our home planet. In Latin, Terra means land or earth. - Mars (Mars)
The red planet, named after the Roman god of war. - Iuppiter / Jupiter (Jupiter)
The largest planet, named after the king of the Roman gods. - Saturnus (Saturn)
Known for its rings, named after the god of agriculture and time. - Uranus (Uranus)
A unique planet named after Ouranos, the Greek god of the sky. - Neptunus (Neptune)
A distant blue giant, named after the Roman god of the sea.
Dwarf Planets and Major Asteroids – Mythic Minor Worlds
- Ceres
Largest asteroid and a dwarf planet. Named after the Roman goddess of agriculture. - Pluto
Formerly the ninth planet. Named after the Roman god of the underworld. - Eris
A dwarf planet named after the Greek goddess of discord. - Haumea
Named after a Hawaiian goddess of fertility and childbirth. - Makemake
Named after the Rapa Nui god of creation. - Juno
The third discovered asteroid. Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. - Pallas
Named after Pallas Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom. - Vesta
Named after the Roman goddess of the hearth and home. - Eunomia
Greek goddess of law and order. - Hygiea
Goddess of health and hygiene. - Europa
A Phoenician princess loved by Zeus. Name also used for a moon of Jupiter. - Eurydike
Orpheus’s tragic wife in Greek mythology. - Dione
Sometimes considered the mother of Aphrodite. - Astraea
Goddess of justice and purity. - Eurynome
Mother of the Charites (Graces) in Greek mythology. - Hecate
Goddess of magic and the night. - Berenice
Egyptian queen whose hair became a constellation. - Aurora
Roman goddess of dawn. - Amazone
Inspired by the warrior women of Greek legend. - Orpheus
Poet and musician who descended into the underworld. - Agamemnon
Leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War. - Bacchus
Roman god of wine and revelry. - Callisto
A nymph turned into a bear by Hera. - Proserpina
Queen of the underworld, daughter of Ceres. - Ida
Named after the sacred mountain linked to Zeus. - Adonis
Handsome youth loved by Aphrodite. - Artemis
Goddess of the hunt and the moon. - Echo
Nymph who could only repeat others’ words. - Ganymede
Cupbearer of the gods. Also a moon of Jupiter. - Hermes
Messenger god, also known as Mercury in Roman myth. - Io
Lover of Zeus, transformed into a cow. - Laetitia
Roman goddess of joy and happiness. - Prometheus
Titan who gave fire to humanity. - Cybele
Mother goddess of nature and fertility. - Achilles
Hero of the Trojan War. - Hera
Greek goddess of marriage and queen of the gods. - Atalante
Swift-footed huntress who challenged suitors to races. - Theseus
Slayer of the Minotaur. - Pandora
Opened the box of human woes. - Castor & Pollux
Divine twins and protectors of sailors. - Niobe
Mourning mother whose children were slain by gods.
Why Use Latin Celestial Names in Your Stories?
Latin names add depth, elegance, and symbolic meaning. They often come with powerful mythological stories that enrich your worldbuilding. Choosing names like Luna for a serene priestess or Mars for a warrior gives characters a strong thematic identity.
Naming Tips for Writers and Creators
- Match name meanings to your character’s traits or roles.
- Mix Latin roots with other languages for originality.
- Use lesser-known asteroid names for unique fantasy names.
Final Thoughts
Let Latin celestial names guide your imagination beyond the stars. Whether you’re writing a novel, designing a game, or naming a magical realm, these timeless names offer an endless universe of inspiration.
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