This is one of three stars in northern Boötes named Asellus, representing three donkeys (Asellus Primus is the 'first donkey', with the other stars being named Asellus Secundus and Asellus Tertius, the second and third donkeys). This trio of stars in Boötes is not to be confused with the pair named Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis in the constellation of Cancer (which are also named for donkeys, but lie in an entirely different part of the sky).