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Estella
Pronounced es-TEL-ah /ɛˈstɛlə/High
Meaning: From the Latin stella meaning 'star,' via the Provençal/Spanish form Estela or directly from the Medieval Latin feminine name EstellaHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Estella derives from the Latin stella ('star'), entering use as a given name in the medieval period via Spanish and Provençal. The name's literary fame was sealed by Charles Dickens, who chose it for the aloof, beautiful Estella Havisham in Great Expectations. Related forms include Estelle (French) and Stella (directly from Latin).
Estella has always been less common than Stella or Estelle, giving it a more rare and distinctive character. In the 21st century, with Stella soaring in popularity, Estella has benefited as an elaborated alternative — more ornate and equally celestial. It began rising on U.S. charts in the 2010s.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Estella Havisham (fictional) (fictional)Central character in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, the beautiful and cold ward of Miss Havisham.
If you like Estella…
Frequently Asked
What does the name Estella mean?
Estella comes from Latin stella meaning 'star' — a luminous name borne by Dickens' beautiful, complex heroine in Great Expectations.
How do you pronounce Estella?
It is said es-TEL-ah — three syllables, stress on the middle.
Is Estella a boy or girl name?
Estella is used exclusively as a girls' name.
How popular is Estella?
Estella is less common than Stella but has been rising in the U.S. since the 2010s as a more elaborate star-name option.