When you're on a mission to find the perfect name for your baby, you've gotta start somewhere — whether that's batting around traditional family names, beloved places, a departed relative's first initial, or even thinking about the season during which your little one will be born. Another option moms could consider adding to the mix: His astrological sign!
Taking your son's astrology into consideration could lead you to a handsome, unique name that couldn't be more suited to his personality.
Here, baby boy names inspired by the 12 signs of the zodiac.
More from The Stir: Best Baby Names for Girls Based on Their Astrological Sign (PHOTOS)
Images via ©iStock.com/KatrinaElena, Michelle Tribe/Flickr, & ©iStock.com/tkacchuk
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Your little fire sign boy will be a natural-born fighter, born under the sign symbolized by the ram and ruled by the red warrior planet, Mars, which was the Roman god of war and also, in fact, a unique unisex name. It's more often as a middle name. (See musicians Thomas and Bruno Mars, who was actually born Peter Hernandez.) If that's a little too eccentric, you could also try the more mainstream Mark or Marc, which is derived from the old Latin "Mart-kos," which means "consecrated to the god Mars," and also may mean "God of war" or "to be warlike." Another fitting option: The classic name Brian, which currently ranks at #150 according to Nameberry and is said to have been derived from an Old Celtic word meaning "high" or "noble."
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Earth sign Taurus is symbolized by the bull and ruled by Venus, the planet and Roman goddess of love and beauty. As a result, you might want to consider a name like Dimitri, which is pretty rare for U.S. moms to pick, but fitting for a Taurean: It's the Slavic variation of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming. Ethan, which is of Hebrew origin and means "strong, firm" is a great fit, but it's not for moms looking to be original, as it ranks at #6 currently, according to Nameberry.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
If born under air sign Gemini, which is ruled by the communicator planet Mercury and is symbolized by twins, your little boy could be quite the lively chatterbox! If you want to go for something edgy and unique, consider naming him after his ruling planet and the Roman god Mercury, derived from the Latin words for trade or wages and was the patron of tradesmen and travelers. Built-in nickname: Merc! Less adventurous moms could try Hugh on for size, which is not extremely unique (it's in the top 1000) or very common and brings to mind the handsome actors Jackman, Grant, Laurie, Dancy, etc. It's the English language version of the Old French name Hugues. Another nice choice: The Biblical name Jonah (of Hebrew origin and means "dove").
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Boys born under water sign Cancer, ruled by the moon and symbolized by the crab, may do well with a sea-inspired name like Hurley, which has Gaelic roots (from the expression "O hUirthile") and means "sea tide." Dylan, a Welsh name for a legendary sea god who prompted all the waters of Britain and Ireland to weep when he died, is a popular pick these days, coming in at #28 currently on Nameberry. Or you can go quite literal with River, which both Keri Russell and Taylor Hanson used for their sons.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Boys born under this sun-ruled fire sign, symbolized by the lion, are sure to have a regal air about them. Leo itself is a pleasing pick (Latin for lion), or if you don't want the association with DiCaprio, you could go with Leon, which is the Greek variation. Brendan is a lovely Irish choice, derived from the Gaelic name Breandán, which means "prince" and currently ranks at #326 on Nameberry. Another old standby Irish name, Ryan, means "little king" and ranks at #30.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Boys born under the earth sign Virgo may be perfectionistic and detail-oriented, thanks to their ruling planet information-gathering Mercury. And while the symbolism of the sign (the virgin, or a Mother Nature-esque figure) is rather feminine, there are thankfully plenty of masculine Virgoan names, such as Curtis, which is of French origin and means "courteous, polite" (Virgo traits, for sure!), Clark (of English origin, means "scribe" or "scholar"), and Seth (of Hebrew origin, means "appointed, placed"), which ranks at #231 on Nameberry and has some star cred as of late thanks to Twilight werewolf Seth Clearwater*,* comedian Seth Meyers, and Seth Rogen.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
A boy born under air sign Libra, symbolized by the scales, and ruled by romantic Venus, may be prone to valuing fairness and balance. He's also likely to be quite the charmer! Fitting choices include traditional names Alan (stemming from the Scottish Gaelic word àlainn, which means "beautiful") and David (of Hebrew origin, means "beloved"). Moms looking to be a bit more adventurous could try Lamont, a Scandanavian choice rising in popularity that means "man of law."
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
If your little boy is born under the water sign Scorpio, ruled by Mars and Pluto and symbolized by the scorpion, it's possible he'll be both magnetic and mysterious! Adrian, which ranks at #60 on Nameberry currently, is of Latin origin, and pays tribute to the Adriatic sea, may be a nice fit. Drew may be unisex but is still most popular among boys and means "strong and manly." Anther Scorpionic pick: Raymond (nickname Ray), which was introduced to England from the Normans in the from Reimund, and means "wise protector."
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
If your baby is born under the fire sign Sagittarius — ruled by Jupiter (the planet of luck) and symbolized by the archer centaur (half-man, half horse) — he could grow up to be quite wise, funny, and outspoken. For your Sag boy, you could consider the Anglo-Saxon surname-turned-first name Archer (ranking currently at #351), Felipe or Phillip (of Spanish and Greek origins respectively, both meaning "lover of horses), or Jovian (of Latin origin, meaning "of, occurring on, or relating to the planet Jupiter").
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Boys born under earth sign Capricorn, symbolized by the goat and ruled by Saturn, are born industrious. You can honor your son's can-do spirit with the Old Testament name Aaron, which means "high mountain; exalted, enlightened" and is still enjoying popularity at #51 on Nameberry. Craig, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word creag that means "rock," pays tribute to a Cap's steadfast nature. Or Kean, the Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Clan, is a unique choice that means "the ancient one."
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Although it is symbolized by the water bearer, Aquarius is an air sign, ruled by spontaneous Uranus. Aquarian boys will be innovative, social, and maybe even a bit eccentric! A creative name, like Sage, which means wise and healthy, could be perfect. Charles (which came from the German noun karlaz meaning "free man") and Francis (of Latin origin, also meaning "free man") are both quite fitting, too.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
If your son is born under the water sign Pisces, ruled by mystical planet Neptune and symbolized by the fish, he'll likely be especially empathetic, creative, and maybe even have a flair for the theatrical. Morgan is more common in Wales than the U.S., but is still a viable choice that means "sea-circle." Another option that's rare but strong-sounding: Annan, which is of Celtic origin and means "from the stream." Or you could consider Ronan, the name of twelve Irish and Scottish saints, which means "little seal." (Daniel Day-Lewis and his writer-director wife Rebecca Miller gave it to their son in 1998.)
