An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The Maiden. A large constellation of the Zodiac, situated at the celestial equator with 13h right ascension, 2° south declination. The brightest star is the first magnitude → Spica, and there are seven others brighter than fourth magnitude. Because of the presence of a background galaxy cluster, → Virgo cluster, this constellation is especially rich in galaxies. Eleven of the brighter galaxies are listed in the → Messier catalog.
Abbreviation: Vir; Genitive: Virginis.

Etymology (EN): L. virgo “maiden, unwedded girl or woman.”

Etymology (PE): Dušizé “maiden, virgin;” Mid.Pers. dôšizag “maiden, virgin,” related to duxtar, duxt “daughter” (O.Pers. *duxçi-;
Av. dugədar-, duγdar-; cf.
Skt. duhitár-, Gk. thygater;
E. daughter; Ger. Tochter; PIE base *dhug(h)əter-); Manichean Mid.Pers. duxš “princess, girl of noble birth;” O.Pers. duxši- (Elamite du-uk-ši-iš) “royal princess” + diminutive suffix -izag, -izé (as in suffixed Fr. demoiselle, from V.L. *dominicella, from domin(a) “lady” + -i- + -cella diminutive suffix).