Suhayl
/suˈheɪl/noun
Suhayl is an Arabic masculine name and the traditional Arabic name for Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night sky.
Did you know?In premodern Arabic star lore, Suhayl was a major navigational marker, especially for travelers and sailors moving across the southern horizon.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*s-h-l
“Root associated with ease, smoothness, or accessibility”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
sahl
“Easy, gentle, smooth, or level”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
Suhayl
“A diminutive form, literally suggesting “little smooth/easy one”; also the proper name of Canopus”
Medieval Arabic astronomy
Arabic
al-Suhayl
“Canopus, the conspicuous southern star used in navigation and seasonal observation”
Medieval and Early Modern English
English
Suhail / Suhayl
“A transliterated Arabic personal name and star-name”
Modern English
English
Suhayl
“An Arabic masculine given name, also associated with Canopus”