Astra is a feminine and radiant name that embodies the brilliance of a star. This name has Latin roots and is derived from the word ‘astralis,’ which means ‘star.’ In Old Norse, Astra signifies ‘divine strength,’ while it translates to ‘weapon’ in Sanskrit. With its diverse origins, Astra is a name that carries a unique and powerful meaning.
According to Hindu mythology, Astra was a supernatural weapon borne by a deity and injected with occult powers. However, later it came to mean any weapon. In the epics Ramayana and the Mahabharata, it is believed that Lord Rama possessed more astras than any other warrior.
In Greek mythology, too, Astraeus was an astrological deity and the father of the four Anemoi, the wind deities. Astraeus is also believed to be derived from the Greek word Aster meaning ‘starry,’ which shares the same etymology as Astra.
In Greco-Roman mythology, Astra Planeta was described as a ‘star wanderer’ and are commonly known as ‘wandering stars’ and were believed to be Roman deities. The planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were believed to be heavenly bodies that moved across the sky. The five Astra Planeta were Phainon (for the planet Saturn), Phaethon (for the planet Jupiter), Pyroeis (for the planet Mars), Eosphoros/Hesperus (for the planet Venus), and Stilbon (for the planet Mercury).
Signifying a free-spirited individual, Astra can have some short and sweet nicknames, including Rea, Asty, and Astro.
