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Celeste

♀ Girl

Pronounced seh-LEST /səˈlɛst/High

Meaning: Heavenly, of the skyHigh

In 30 seconds: A luminous Latin-French name meaning 'heavenly.' Rare enough to feel distinctive, classic enough to age well — a favourite among parents who want understated elegance.
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Origin HighLatin, French
MeaningHeavenly, of the sky
U.S. rank (2025)#188 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,662 girls (0.09% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 65,611

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518812025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Celeste derives from the Latin caelestis (heavenly), itself from caelum (sky, heaven). The name was used in early Christian communities as a virtue name invoking the divine, and Pope Celestine I (d. 432 CE) bears the masculine cognate. Celeste was borne by several early saints, cementing its place in the Christian naming tradition.

The French form Céleste became established across Europe during the medieval and Renaissance periods. It enjoyed particular popularity in France and Italy and entered English use by the 19th century. In the 21st century, Celeste has staged a quiet revival as parents rediscover soft, celestial names.

Did you know? The word celestial and the name Celeste share the same Latin root caelestis, meaning 'of the sky or heaven.'
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Celeste — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CélesteCelestineCelestiaCaeleste

Nicknames

CeceLessieCelly

Famous Bearers

  • ★Céleste Albaret (1891–1984)
    Personal secretary and devoted companion to novelist Marcel Proust.

If you like Celeste…

Aurora— equally celestial and nature-inspired with vintage charm
Luna— same sky-and-stars theme with a light, elegant feel
Iris— shares the classic one-word nature elegance
Sylvie— same French-origin vintage revival with a soft ending

Frequently Asked

What does the name Celeste mean?

Celeste is a Latin and French name meaning 'heavenly' or 'of the sky,' from the Latin caelestis.

How do you pronounce Celeste?

It is said seh-LEST /səˈlɛst/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Celeste a boy or girl name?

Celeste is used almost exclusively as a girls' name in the U.S.

How popular is Celeste?

Celeste has been rising steadily and ranked around #188 in the U.S. in 2025.