This list includes 7 Stars with proper names that start with B, ranging from “Barnard’s Star” to “Boyajian’s Star”. These stars include historical Arabic names, modern commemorative names, and a few notable nearby or variable stars. Observers and educators use these names to identify stars and teach star lore.

Stars with proper names are stars known by traditional or officially approved names instead of catalog numbers. For example, Barnard’s Star is a famous nearby red dwarf long used in studies of stellar motion.

Below you’ll find the table with Proper name, Catalog designation, Constellation (IAU abbr.), Distance (ly), Apparent V magnitude, and Notes.

Proper name: The star’s commonly used proper name; you use this to recognize the star in maps and popular references.

Catalog designation: The standard catalog or Bayer/Flamsteed identifier that helps you find precise data in scientific catalogs and databases.

Constellation (IAU abbr.): The constellation name and its IAU three-letter abbreviation so you can place the star on the sky.

Distance (ly): Distance in light years to one decimal, letting you compare how near or far each named star is.

Apparent V magnitude: The star’s visual brightness to two decimals, which helps you judge how bright it appears from Earth.

Notes: Quick remarks about name origin, IAU approval status, variability, or other features useful for identification.

Stars with proper names that start with B

NameProper name statusPrimary designationConstellation; Distance (ly); V (mag)
BetelgeuseIAU-approved (IAU 2016)α OriOrion (Ori); 642.5 ly; 0.50
BellatrixIAU-approved (IAU 2016)γ OriOrion (Ori); 243.0 ly; 1.64
Barnard’s StarTraditional (non-IAU)GJ 699Ophiuchus (Oph); 5.96 ly; 9.54
Boyajian’s StarUnofficial (non-IAU)KIC 8462852Cygnus (Cyg); 1,470.0 ly; 11.70
BenetnaschTraditional (non-IAU)η UMaUrsa Major (UMa); 101.0 ly; 1.85
BecruxTraditional (non-IAU)β CruCrux (Cru); 280.0 ly; 1.25
Baten KaitosTraditional (non-IAU)ζ CetCetus (Cet); 246.0 ly; 3.73

Descriptions

Betelgeuse
Famous red supergiant in Orion’s shoulder, highly variable and notable for dramatic dimming events; one of the largest visible stars.
Bellatrix
Blue-white giant marking Orion’s right shoulder; name means “female warrior” and is easy to spot in winter skies.
Barnard’s Star
Nearby red dwarf with huge proper motion, one of the Sun’s closest neighbors and a frequent target in exoplanet searches.
Boyajian’s Star
Also called Tabby’s Star; gained fame for bizarre, irregular dips in brightness that sparked wide scientific interest and debate.
Benetnasch
Also called Alkaid, this bright star ends the Big Dipper’s handle; “Benetnasch” appears in older star-name traditions.
Becrux
Alternate traditional name for Beta Crucis (commonly Mimosa), a bright blue giant in the Southern Cross used in southern-hemisphere navigation.
Baten Kaitos
Arabic-origin name meaning “belly of the whale,” applied historically to a Cetus star visible to northern and southern observers.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.