List of proper names of stars
Updated: 5/20/2026, 7:04:30 PM Wikipedia source
These names of stars that have either been approved by the International Astronomical Union or which have been in somewhat recent use. IAU approval comes mostly from its Working Group on Star Names, which has been publishing a "List of IAU-approved Star Names" since 2016. As of May 2026, the list included a total of 570 proper names of stars.
Tables
· List
Absolutno
Absolutno
Modern proper name
Absolutno
Designation
XO-5
Constellation
Lynx
Name origin
Czech
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2019
Czech Republic proposal: A fictional substance in the novel Továrna na absolutno by Karel Čapek.
English pronunciation
/æbsəˈluːtnoʊ/, /ˈæbsəluːtnoʊ/
Acamar
Acamar
Modern proper name
Acamar
Designation
θ1 Eridani A
Constellation
Eridanus
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈækəmɑːr/
Achernar
Achernar
Modern proper name
Achernar
Designation
α Eridani A
Constellation
Eridanus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Arabic: آخر النهر ʾāẖir an-nahr (River's end)
English pronunciation
/ˈeɪkərnɑːr/
Achird
Achird
Modern proper name
Achird
Designation
η Cassiopeiae A
Constellation
Cassiopeia
Name origin
Slovak (1950)
Notes
Apparently first applied to η Cassiopeiae in the Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens published in 1950, but is not known prior to that.
English pronunciation
/ˈeɪtʃərd/
Acrab
Acrab
Modern proper name
Acrab
Designation
β1 Scorpii Aa
Constellation
Scorpius
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The traditional name of the β Scorpii system has been rendered Akrab and Elakrab, derived (like Acrab) from Arabic: العقرب al-ʿaqrab ('the scorpion').
English pronunciation
/ˈeɪkræb/
Acrux
Acrux
Modern proper name
Acrux
Designation
α Crucis Aa
Constellation
Crux
Name origin
American
Notes
"Acrux" is a modern contraction of the Bayer designation, coined in the 19th century, but which entered into common use only by the mid-20th century.
English pronunciation
/ˈeɪkrʌks/
Acubens
Acubens
Modern proper name
Acubens
Designation
α Cancri A
Constellation
Cancer
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name was originally Arabic: الزبانى az-zubāná ('the claws').
English pronunciation
/ˈækjuːbɛnz/
Adhafera
Adhafera
Modern proper name
Adhafera
Designation
ζ Leonis
Constellation
Leo
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Also called Aldhafera. The name is originally from Arabic: الضفيرة aḍ-ḍafīra ('the braid (or curl, or strand)' [of the lion's mane]).
English pronunciation
/ædəˈfɪərə/
Adhara
Adhara
Modern proper name
Adhara
Designation
ε Canis Majoris A
Constellation
Canis Major
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: عذارى ʿaḏārá ('virgins'). In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, it is designated أول العذاري ʾawwil al-ʿaḏāriyy, translated into Latin as Prima Virginum ('first virgin').
English pronunciation
/əˈdɛərə/
Adhil
Adhil
Modern proper name
Adhil
Designation
ξ Andromedae
Constellation
Andromeda
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name was originally Arabic: الذيل aḏ-ḏayl (the train, lit. 'the tail').
English pronunciation
/əˈdɪl/
Ain
Ain
Modern proper name
Ain
Designation
ε Tauri
Constellation
Taurus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: عين ʿayn ('eye') and was reviewed and adopted by the Working Group on Star Names.
English pronunciation
/ˈeɪn/
Ainalrami
Ainalrami
Modern proper name
Ainalrami
Designation
ν1 Sagittarii A
Constellation
Sagittarius
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: عين الرامي ʿayn ar-rāmī ('eye of the archer').
English pronunciation
/ˌɛnəlˈreɪmi/
Aiolos
Aiolos
Modern proper name
Aiolos
Designation
HD 95086
Constellation
Carina
Name origin
Greek
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2022
Greek proposal; named after Aeolus, a god from Greek mythology.
Aladfar
Aladfar
Modern proper name
Aladfar
Designation
η Lyrae Aa
Constellation
Lyra
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: الأظفر al-ʾuẓfur ('the talons' [of the swooping eagle]), shared with μ Lyrae (Alathfar).
English pronunciation
/əˈlædfɑːr/
Alasia
Alasia
Modern proper name
Alasia
Designation
HD 168746
Constellation
Serpens
Name origin
Cypriot
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2019
Cypriot proposal; first historically recorded name of Cyprus (mid-15th century).
English pronunciation
/əˈleɪziə/
Alathfar†
Alathfar†
Modern proper name
Alathfar†
Designation
μ Lyrae
Constellation
Lyra
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: الأظفر al-ʾuẓfur ('the talons' [of the swooping eagle]), shared with η Lyrae (Aladfar).
English pronunciation
/əˈlæθfɑːr/
Alaybasan
Alaybasan
Modern proper name
Alaybasan
Designation
β Trianguli A
Constellation
Triangulum
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From the Arabic asterism Al-Aybasān (الأيبسان), the Two Joints.
Albaldah
Albaldah
Modern proper name
Albaldah
Designation
π Sagittarii A
Constellation
Sagittarius
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: البلدة al-balda ('town'). In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, it is designated نير البلدة nayyir al-baldah, translated into Latin as Lucida Oppidi ('brightest of the town').
English pronunciation
/ælˈbɔːldə/
Albali
Albali
Modern proper name
Albali
Designation
ε Aquarii
Constellation
Aquarius
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: البالع al-bāliʿ ('the swallower').
English pronunciation
/ælˈbeɪli/
Albireo
Albireo
Modern proper name
Albireo
Designation
β1 Cygni Aa
Constellation
Cygnus
Name origin
unknown
Notes
The source of the name Albireo is not entirely clear.
English pronunciation
/ælˈbɪrioʊ/
Alchiba
Alchiba
Modern proper name
Alchiba
Designation
α Corvi A
Constellation
Corvus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الخباء al-ẖibāʾ ('tent'). In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, it is designated المنخر الغراب al-manẖar al-ġurāb, translated into Latin as Rostrum Corvi ('beak of the crow').
English pronunciation
/ˈælkᵻbə/
Alcor
Alcor
Modern proper name
Alcor
Designation
80 Ursae Majoris Ca
Constellation
Ursa Major
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الخوار al‑ẖawwār ('the faint one').
English pronunciation
/ˈælkɔːr/
Alcyone
Alcyone
Modern proper name
Alcyone
Designation
η Tauri A
Constellation
Taurus
Name origin
Greek
Notes
Member of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Alcyone (Ancient Greek: Ἀλκυόνη Alkuonē) was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
English pronunciation
/ælˈsaɪəniː/
Aldebaran
Aldebaran
Modern proper name
Aldebaran
Designation
α Tauri A
Constellation
Taurus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name was originally Arabic: الدبران ad-dabarān ('the follower' [of the Pleiades]).
English pronunciation
/ælˈdɛbərən/
Alderamin
Alderamin
Modern proper name
Alderamin
Designation
α Cephei
Constellation
Cepheus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الذراع اليمين aḏ-ḏirāʿ al-yamīn ('the right arm' [of Cepheus]).
English pronunciation
/ælˈdɛrəmɪn/
Aldhanab
Aldhanab
Modern proper name
Aldhanab
Designation
γ Gruis
Constellation
Grus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name was originally الذنب aḏ-ḏanab ('the tail' [of the constellation of the Southern Fish]).
English pronunciation
/ˈældənæb/
Aldhibah
Aldhibah
Modern proper name
Aldhibah
Designation
ζ Draconis A
Constellation
Draco
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الضباع aḍ-ḍibāʿ ('the hyenas').
English pronunciation
/ælˈdaɪbə/
Áldu
Áldu
Modern proper name
Áldu
Designation
ε Persei A
Constellation
Perseus
Name origin
Uralic
Notes
Sámi word for a female reindeer, in reference to the Sámi reindeer constellation Sarvvis.
Aldulfin
Aldulfin
Modern proper name
Aldulfin
Designation
ε Delphini
Constellation
Delphinus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Shortening of Arabic: ذنب الدلفين ḏanab ad-dulfīn ('tail of the dolphin').
English pronunciation
/ælˈdʌlfən/
Alfarasalkamil
Alfarasalkamil
Modern proper name
Alfarasalkamil
Designation
ο Andromedae Aa
Constellation
Andromeda
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From the Arabic constellation Al-Faras al-Kamil (الفرس الكامل), the Complete Horse.
Alfirk
Alfirk
Modern proper name
Alfirk
Designation
β Cephei Aa
Constellation
Cepheus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الفرق al-firq ('the flock'). Name given by Ulugh Beg to the asterism consisting of α, β and η Cephei.
English pronunciation
/ˈælfərk/
Algedi
Algedi
Modern proper name
Algedi
Designation
α2 Capricorni
Constellation
Capricornus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الجدي al-jady ('the (male) kid'). Alternative traditional names are Al Giedi, Secunda Giedi and Algiedi Secunda.
English pronunciation
/ælˈdʒiːdi/
Algenib
Algenib
Modern proper name
Algenib
Designation
γ Pegasi A
Constellation
Pegasus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الجانب al-jānib ('the flank'). Algenib is also another name for α Persei (Mirfak).
English pronunciation
/ælˈdʒiːnᵻb/
Algieba
Algieba
Modern proper name
Algieba
Designation
γ1 Leonis A
Constellation
Leo
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الجبهة al-jabha ('the forehead' [of the lion]).
English pronunciation
/ælˈdʒiːbə/
Algol
Algol
Modern proper name
Algol
Designation
β Persei Aa1
Constellation
Perseus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: رأس الغول raʾs al-ġūl ('head of the ogre'). In ancient Egypt, the star represented Horus.
English pronunciation
/ˈælɡɒl/
Algorab
Algorab
Modern proper name
Algorab
Designation
δ Corvi A
Constellation
Corvus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The traditional name Algorab is derived from Arabic: الغراب al-ġurāb ('the crow'). The WGSN re-designated the star as Algorab in July 2016.
English pronunciation
/ˈælɡəræb/
Alhena
Alhena
Modern proper name
Alhena
Designation
γ Geminorum A
Constellation
Gemini
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Derived from Arabic: الهنعة al-hanʿa ('the brand' [on the neck of the camel]).
English pronunciation
/ælˈhiːnə/
Alioth
Alioth
Modern proper name
Alioth
Designation
ε Ursae Majoris
Constellation
Ursa Major
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Member of the Big Dipper or the Plough (UK). Arabic: alyat al-hamal ('the sheep's fat tail')
English pronunciation
/ˈæliɒθ/
Aljanah
Aljanah
Modern proper name
Aljanah
Designation
ε Cygni Aa
Constellation
Cygnus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Traditional name Gienah from the Arabic al janāħ (Arabic: جناح) meaning 'the wing'.
English pronunciation
/ˈældʒənə/
Alkaid
Alkaid
Modern proper name
Alkaid
Designation
η Ursae Majoris
Constellation
Ursa Major
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Member of the Big Dipper or the Plough (UK).
English pronunciation
/ælˈkeɪd/
Alkalurops
Alkalurops
Modern proper name
Alkalurops
Designation
μ1 Boötis Aa
Constellation
Boötes
Name origin
Greek
Notes
Traditional name Alkalurops from the Greek (καλαύροψ kalaurops) 'a herdsman's crook or staff'. It has Arabic prefix attached.
English pronunciation
/ælkəˈljʊərɒps/
Alkaphrah
Alkaphrah
Modern proper name
Alkaphrah
Designation
κ Ursae Majoris A
Constellation
Ursa Major
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈkæfrə/
Alkarab
Alkarab
Modern proper name
Alkarab
Designation
υ Pegasi
Constellation
Pegasus
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈælkəræb/
Alkes
Alkes
Modern proper name
Alkes
Designation
α Crateris
Constellation
Crater
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الكاس alkās or Arabic: الكأس alka's ('the cup')
English pronunciation
/ˈælkɛs/
Almaaz
Almaaz
Modern proper name
Almaaz
Designation
ε Aurigae Aa
Constellation
Auriga
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈælmeɪ.əz/
Almach
Almach
Modern proper name
Almach
Designation
γ Andromedae A
Constellation
Andromeda
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Derived from Arabic: العناق al-'anāq ('the caracal' (desert lynx))
English pronunciation
/ˈælmæk/
Al Minliar al Asad†
Al Minliar al Asad†
Modern proper name
Al Minliar al Asad†
Designation
κ Leonis
Constellation
Leo
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: أل مينلير أل أسد 'al mynilir 'al 'asad ('lion's nose')
Alnair
Alnair
Modern proper name
Alnair
Designation
α Gruis
Constellation
Grus
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈnɛər/
Alnasl
Alnasl
Modern proper name
Alnasl
Designation
γ2 Sagittarii
Constellation
Sagittarius
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: النصل an-naṣl ('the point' [of the archer's arrow]).
English pronunciation
/ælˈnæzəl/
Alnilam
Alnilam
Modern proper name
Alnilam
Designation
ε Orionis
Constellation
Orion
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The middle star in Orion's belt. Derived from Arabic: النظام, romanized: al-niẓām, lit. 'arrangement/string (of pearls)'.
English pronunciation
/ˈælnᵻlæm/
Alnitak
Alnitak
Modern proper name
Alnitak
Designation
ζ Orionis Aa
Constellation
Orion
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The traditional name, alternately spelled Al Nitak or Alnitah, is from Arabic: النطاق an-niṭāq ('the girdle').
English pronunciation
/ˈælnᵻtæk/
Alniyat
Alniyat
Modern proper name
Alniyat
Designation
σ Scorpii Aa1
Constellation
Scorpius
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈnaɪæt/
Alphard
Alphard
Modern proper name
Alphard
Designation
α Hydrae
Constellation
Hydra
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈælfɑːrd/
Alphecca
Alphecca
Modern proper name
Alphecca
Designation
α Coronae Borealis A
Constellation
Corona Borealis
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name نير الفكة nayyir al-fakka ('bright (star) of the broken' [ring of stars]) is found in the Al Achsasi al Mouakket catalogue (c. 1650).
English pronunciation
/ælˈfɛkə/
Alpheratz
Alpheratz
Modern proper name
Alpheratz
Designation
α Andromedae Aa
Constellation
Andromeda
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈfɪəræts/
Alpherg
Alpherg
Modern proper name
Alpherg
Designation
η Piscium A
Constellation
Pisces
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈælfɜːrɡ/
Alrakis
Alrakis
Modern proper name
Alrakis
Designation
μ Draconis A
Constellation
Draco
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: الراقص ar-rāqiṣ ('the dancer'); also spelled Arrakis and Elrakis.
English pronunciation
/ælˈreɪkᵻs/
Alrescha
Alrescha
Modern proper name
Alrescha
Designation
α Piscium A
Constellation
Pisces
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈriːʃə/
Alruba
Alruba
Modern proper name
Alruba
Designation
HD 161693
Constellation
Draco
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈruːbə/
Alrumh
Alrumh
Modern proper name
Alrumh
Designation
34 Boötis
Constellation
Boötes
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From the Arabic asterism Al-Rumḥ (الرُّمْح), the Lance.
Alsafi
Alsafi
Modern proper name
Alsafi
Designation
σ Draconis
Constellation
Draco
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈseɪfi/
Alsciaukat
Alsciaukat
Modern proper name
Alsciaukat
Designation
31 Lyncis
Constellation
Lynx
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælʃiˈɔːkæt/
Alsephina
Alsephina
Modern proper name
Alsephina
Designation
δ Velorum Aa
Constellation
Vela
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælsᵻˈfaɪnə/
Alshain
Alshain
Modern proper name
Alshain
Designation
β Aquilae A
Constellation
Aquila
Name origin
Persian
English pronunciation
/ælˈʃeɪn/
Alshat
Alshat
Modern proper name
Alshat
Designation
ν Capricorni A
Constellation
Capricornus
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈælʃæt/
Altair
Altair
Modern proper name
Altair
Designation
α Aquilae
Constellation
Aquila
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
From Arabic: (النسر) الطائر (an-nasr) aṭ-ṭāʾir ('the flying' [eagle]). Altair is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle asterism.
English pronunciation
/ælˈteɪ.ər/
Altais
Altais
Modern proper name
Altais
Designation
δ Draconis
Constellation
Draco
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ælˈteɪ.ᵻs/
Alterf
Alterf
Modern proper name
Alterf
Designation
λ Leonis
Constellation
Leo
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈæltərf/
Aludra
Aludra
Modern proper name
Aludra
Designation
η Canis Majoris
Constellation
Canis Major
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/əˈluːdrə/
Alula Australis
Alula Australis
Modern proper name
Alula Australis
Designation
ξ Ursae Majoris Aa
Constellation
Ursa Major
Name origin
Arab-Latin
English pronunciation
/əˈluːlə ɔːˈstreɪlᵻs/
Alula Borealis
Alula Borealis
Modern proper name
Alula Borealis
Designation
ν Ursae Majoris A
Constellation
Ursa Major
Name origin
Arab-Latin
English pronunciation
/əˈluːlə bɒriˈælᵻs/
Alya
Alya
Modern proper name
Alya
Designation
θ1 Serpentis A
Constellation
Serpens
Name origin
Arabic
English pronunciation
/ˈeɪliə/
Alzirr
Alzirr
Modern proper name
Alzirr
Designation
ξ Geminorum
Constellation
Gemini
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
Alternately spelled Alzir.
English pronunciation
/ˈælzər/
Amadioha
Amadioha
Modern proper name
Amadioha
Designation
HD 43197
Constellation
Canis Major
Name origin
Nigerian
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2019
Nigerian proposal; named after Amadioha, a god in Igbo mythology.
English pronunciation
//
Amansinaya
Amansinaya
Modern proper name
Amansinaya
Designation
WASP-34
Constellation
Crater
Name origin
Filipino
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2019
Philippines proposal. Named after Aman Sinaya, deity of the ocean and protector of fishermen in Tagalog mythology.
English pronunciation
//
Anadolu
Anadolu
Modern proper name
Anadolu
Designation
WASP-52
Constellation
Pegasus
Name origin
Turkic
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2019
Turkish proposal; refers to the motherland in Turkish culture.
English pronunciation
//
Añañuca
Añañuca
Modern proper name
Añañuca
Designation
GJ 367
Constellation
Vela
Name origin
Chilean
Notes
NameExoWorlds 2022
Chilean proposal; named for the endemic Chilean wildflower Phycella cyrtanthoides.
English pronunciation
/aɲaˈɲuka/
Ancha
Ancha
Modern proper name
Ancha
Designation
θ Aquarii
Constellation
Aquarius
Name origin
Latin
English pronunciation
/ˈæŋkə/
Angetenar
Angetenar
Modern proper name
Angetenar
Designation
τ2 Eridani
Constellation
Eridanus
Name origin
Arabic
Notes
The name is originally from Arabic: عرجة النهر ʿarjat an-nahr ('the bend of the river').
English pronunciation
/ænˈdʒɛtᵻnɑːr/
| Modern proper name | Designation | Constellation | Name origin | Notes | English pronunciation |
| Absolutno | XO-5 | Lynx | Czech | NameExoWorlds 2019 Czech Republic proposal: A fictional substance in the novel Továrna na absolutno by Karel Čapek. | /æbsəˈluːtnoʊ/, /ˈæbsəluːtnoʊ/ |
| Acamar | θ1 Eridani A | Eridanus | Arabic | /ˈækəmɑːr/ | |
| Achernar | α Eridani A | Eridanus | Arabic | Arabic: آخر النهر ʾāẖir an-nahr (River's end) | /ˈeɪkərnɑːr/ |
| Achird | η Cassiopeiae A | Cassiopeia | Slovak (1950) | Apparently first applied to η Cassiopeiae in the Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens published in 1950, but is not known prior to that. | /ˈeɪtʃərd/ |
| Acrab | β1 Scorpii Aa | Scorpius | Arabic | The traditional name of the β Scorpii system has been rendered Akrab and Elakrab, derived (like Acrab) from Arabic: العقرب al-ʿaqrab ('the scorpion'). | /ˈeɪkræb/ |
| Acrux | α Crucis Aa | Crux | American | "Acrux" is a modern contraction of the Bayer designation, coined in the 19th century, but which entered into common use only by the mid-20th century. | /ˈeɪkrʌks/ |
| Acubens | α Cancri A | Cancer | Arabic | The name was originally Arabic: الزبانى az-zubāná ('the claws'). | /ˈækjuːbɛnz/ |
| Adhafera | ζ Leonis | Leo | Arabic | Also called Aldhafera. The name is originally from Arabic: الضفيرة aḍ-ḍafīra ('the braid (or curl, or strand)' [of the lion's mane]). | /ædəˈfɪərə/ |
| Adhara | ε Canis Majoris A | Canis Major | Arabic | The name is originally from Arabic: عذارى ʿaḏārá ('virgins'). In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, it is designated أول العذاري ʾawwil al-ʿaḏāriyy, translated into Latin as Prima Virginum ('first virgin'). | /əˈdɛərə/ |
| Adhil | ξ Andromedae | Andromeda | Arabic | The name was originally Arabic: الذيل aḏ-ḏayl (the train, lit. 'the tail'). | /əˈdɪl/ |
| Ain | ε Tauri | Taurus | Arabic | The name is originally from Arabic: عين ʿayn ('eye') and was reviewed and adopted by the Working Group on Star Names. | /ˈeɪn/ |
| Ainalrami | ν1 Sagittarii A | Sagittarius | Arabic | From Arabic: عين الرامي ʿayn ar-rāmī ('eye of the archer'). | /ˌɛnəlˈreɪmi/ |
| Aiolos | HD 95086 | Carina | Greek | NameExoWorlds 2022 Greek proposal; named after Aeolus, a god from Greek mythology. | |
| Aladfar | η Lyrae Aa | Lyra | Arabic | The name is originally from Arabic: الأظفر al-ʾuẓfur ('the talons' [of the swooping eagle]), shared with μ Lyrae (Alathfar). | /əˈlædfɑːr/ |
| Alasia | HD 168746 | Serpens | Cypriot | NameExoWorlds 2019 Cypriot proposal; first historically recorded name of Cyprus (mid-15th century). | /əˈleɪziə/ |
| Alathfar† | μ Lyrae | Lyra | Arabic | The name is originally from Arabic: الأظفر al-ʾuẓfur ('the talons' [of the swooping eagle]), shared with η Lyrae (Aladfar). | /əˈlæθfɑːr/ |
| Alaybasan | β Trianguli A | Triangulum | Arabic | From the Arabic asterism Al-Aybasān (الأيبسان), the Two Joints. | |
| Albaldah | π Sagittarii A | Sagittarius | Arabic | The name is originally from Arabic: البلدة al-balda ('town'). In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, it is designated نير البلدة nayyir al-baldah, translated into Latin as Lucida Oppidi ('brightest of the town'). | /ælˈbɔːldə/ |
| Albali | ε Aquarii | Aquarius | Arabic | The name is originally from Arabic: البالع al-bāliʿ ('the swallower'). | /ælˈbeɪli/ |
| Albireo | β1 Cygni Aa | Cygnus | unknown | The source of the name Albireo is not entirely clear. | /ælˈbɪrioʊ/ |
| Alchiba | α Corvi A | Corvus | Arabic | From Arabic: الخباء al-ẖibāʾ ('tent'). In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, it is designated المنخر الغراب al-manẖar al-ġurāb, translated into Latin as Rostrum Corvi ('beak of the crow'). | /ˈælkᵻbə/ |
| Alcor | 80 Ursae Majoris Ca | Ursa Major | Arabic | From Arabic: الخوار al‑ẖawwār ('the faint one'). | /ˈælkɔːr/ |
| Alcyone | η Tauri A | Taurus | Greek | Member of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Alcyone (Ancient Greek: Ἀλκυόνη Alkuonē) was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology. | /ælˈsaɪəniː/ |
| Aldebaran | α Tauri A | Taurus | Arabic | The name was originally Arabic: الدبران ad-dabarān ('the follower' [of the Pleiades]). | /ælˈdɛbərən/ |
| Alderamin | α Cephei | Cepheus | Arabic | From Arabic: الذراع اليمين aḏ-ḏirāʿ al-yamīn ('the right arm' [of Cepheus]). | /ælˈdɛrəmɪn/ |
| Aldhanab | γ Gruis | Grus | Arabic | The name was originally الذنب aḏ-ḏanab ('the tail' [of the constellation of the Southern Fish]). | /ˈældənæb/ |
| Aldhibah | ζ Draconis A | Draco | Arabic | From Arabic: الضباع aḍ-ḍibāʿ ('the hyenas'). | /ælˈdaɪbə/ |
| Áldu | ε Persei A | Perseus | Uralic | Sámi word for a female reindeer, in reference to the Sámi reindeer constellation Sarvvis. | |
| Aldulfin | ε Delphini | Delphinus | Arabic | Shortening of Arabic: ذنب الدلفين ḏanab ad-dulfīn ('tail of the dolphin'). | /ælˈdʌlfən/ |
| Alfarasalkamil | ο Andromedae Aa | Andromeda | Arabic | From the Arabic constellation Al-Faras al-Kamil (الفرس الكامل), the Complete Horse. | |
| Alfirk | β Cephei Aa | Cepheus | Arabic | From Arabic: الفرق al-firq ('the flock'). Name given by Ulugh Beg to the asterism consisting of α, β and η Cephei. | /ˈælfərk/ |
| Algedi | α2 Capricorni | Capricornus | Arabic | From Arabic: الجدي al-jady ('the (male) kid'). Alternative traditional names are Al Giedi, Secunda Giedi and Algiedi Secunda. | /ælˈdʒiːdi/ |
| Algenib | γ Pegasi A | Pegasus | Arabic | From Arabic: الجانب al-jānib ('the flank'). Algenib is also another name for α Persei (Mirfak). | /ælˈdʒiːnᵻb/ |
| Algieba | γ1 Leonis A | Leo | Arabic | From Arabic: الجبهة al-jabha ('the forehead' [of the lion]). | /ælˈdʒiːbə/ |
| Algol | β Persei Aa1 | Perseus | Arabic | From Arabic: رأس الغول raʾs al-ġūl ('head of the ogre'). In ancient Egypt, the star represented Horus. | /ˈælɡɒl/ |
| Algorab | δ Corvi A | Corvus | Arabic | The traditional name Algorab is derived from Arabic: الغراب al-ġurāb ('the crow'). The WGSN re-designated the star as Algorab in July 2016. | /ˈælɡəræb/ |
| Alhena | γ Geminorum A | Gemini | Arabic | Derived from Arabic: الهنعة al-hanʿa ('the brand' [on the neck of the camel]). | /ælˈhiːnə/ |
| Alioth | ε Ursae Majoris | Ursa Major | Arabic | Member of the Big Dipper or the Plough (UK). Arabic: alyat al-hamal ('the sheep's fat tail') | /ˈæliɒθ/ |
| Aljanah | ε Cygni Aa | Cygnus | Arabic | Traditional name Gienah from the Arabic al janāħ (Arabic: جناح) meaning 'the wing'. | /ˈældʒənə/ |
| Alkaid | η Ursae Majoris | Ursa Major | Arabic | Member of the Big Dipper or the Plough (UK). | /ælˈkeɪd/ |
| Alkalurops | μ1 Boötis Aa | Boötes | Greek | Traditional name Alkalurops from the Greek (καλαύροψ kalaurops) 'a herdsman's crook or staff'. It has Arabic prefix attached. | /ælkəˈljʊərɒps/ |
| Alkaphrah | κ Ursae Majoris A | Ursa Major | Arabic | /ælˈkæfrə/ | |
| Alkarab | υ Pegasi | Pegasus | Arabic | /ˈælkəræb/ | |
| Alkes | α Crateris | Crater | Arabic | From Arabic: الكاس alkās or Arabic: الكأس alka's ('the cup') | /ˈælkɛs/ |
| Almaaz | ε Aurigae Aa | Auriga | Arabic | /ˈælmeɪ.əz/ | |
| Almach | γ Andromedae A | Andromeda | Arabic | Derived from Arabic: العناق al-'anāq ('the caracal' (desert lynx)) | /ˈælmæk/ |
| Al Minliar al Asad† | κ Leonis | Leo | Arabic | From Arabic: أل مينلير أل أسد 'al mynilir 'al 'asad ('lion's nose') | |
| Alnair | α Gruis | Grus | Arabic | /ælˈnɛər/ | |
| Alnasl | γ2 Sagittarii | Sagittarius | Arabic | From Arabic: النصل an-naṣl ('the point' [of the archer's arrow]). | /ælˈnæzəl/ |
References
- NASA compiled a "technical memorandum" collecting a total of 537 named stars in 1971.
- Few of these names have established pronunciations in English, and care needs to be taken when interpreting often contra
- Allen (1899) sees the name as originating from a misunderstanding of the words ab ireo in the description of Cygnus from
- "IAU Catalog of Star Names"https://exopla.net/star-names/modern-iau-star-names/
- "Division C WG Star Names"https://www.iau.org/science/scientific_bodies/working_groups/280/
- "Bulletin of the IAU Working Group on Star Names"http://www.pas.rochester.edu/~emamajek/WGSN/WGSN_bulletin1.pdf
- "Final Results of NameExoWorlds Public Vote Released"http://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau1514/
- "Bulletin of the IAU Working Group on Star Names"http://www.pas.rochester.edu/~emamajek/WGSN/WGSN_bulletin2.pdf
- "Naming Stars"https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming_stars/
- IAU 100 Years: Under One Skyhttp://www.nameexoworlds.iau.org/get-involved
- IAU 100 Years: Under One Skyhttp://www.nameexoworlds.iau.org/final-results
- NameExoworldshttps://www.nameexoworlds.iau.org/2022approved-names
- "Division C/Working Group Star Names: Triennial Report 2016–2018"https://www.iau.org/static/science/scientific_bodies/working_groups/280/wg-starnames-triennial-report-2015-2018.pdf
- A Dictionary of Modern Star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations
- Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacifichttps://doi.org/10.1086%2F124681
- Popular Astronomyhttps://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1944PA.....52....8D
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- VizieR On-line Data Catalog: V/50. Originally Published in: 1964BS... .....https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1995yCat.5050....0H
- Memoirs of the Rev. Walter M. Lowrie: Missionary to Chinahttps://books.google.com/books?id=eotjAAAAMAAJ