Suhayl

Suhayl (Arabic: سهيل) is a male given name and the traditional Arabic name for the star Canopus. The name is commonly transliterated as Suhail, Suhaïl, Suheyl, or Suhaila in its feminine form. The meaning is associated with brightness, often described as “the bright one” or “the shining one,” reflecting the star’s luminous presence in the sky.

In astronomy, Suhayl refers to Canopus, the brightest star in the southern sky and the second-brightest star visible from Earth after Sirius. It lies in the constellation Carina and is roughly 310 light-years from the Solar System. Historically, Arabic astronomy used the name Suhayl for this prominent star, which has played a role in navigation and celestial lore in the region.

Historical figures named Suhayl include Suhayl ibn Amr (circa 560–629), a leader of the Quraysh of Mecca. He is noted for his role in diplomacy and negotiations with the Prophet Muhammad, including participation in the Hudaybiyya treaty. His prominence in early Islamic history has kept the name in cultural memory.

Contemporary usage: Suhayl remains a common given name in Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities worldwide. It is used for males, with feminine variants such as Suhaila found in some contexts. The name’s astronomical association with Canopus continues to be a point of cultural reference in literature and naming traditions.