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Estelle

♀ Girl

Pronounced es-TEL /ɛsˈtɛl/High

Meaning: Star; a French and Occitan name derived from the Latin stella, meaning starHigh

In 30 seconds: A luminous French name meaning 'star,' Estelle glowed in the Victorian era, dimmed mid-century, and has returned as a sophisticated vintage revival full of celestial charm.
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Origin HighLatin, French
MeaningStar; a French and Occitan name derived from the Latin stella, meaning star
U.S. rank (2025)#573 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births523 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1915
Total births (all-time)≈ 56,410

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191518802025

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

History & Origin

Estelle is a French and Occitan name derived from the Latin stella, meaning star. It was introduced to England via the Normans and enjoyed widespread use in Victorian England and America. The name was popularized in part by Charles Dickens, who gave it to a character in Great Expectations (1860–1861).

Estelle fell from fashion in the mid-20th century but has experienced a significant revival since the 2000s as parents have rediscovered vintage names with stellar meanings. Its French elegance, clear pronunciation, and the universal appeal of the star motif have made it a fashionable choice once more.

Did you know? Princess Estelle of Sweden, born in 2012, bears this name and is second in line to the Swedish throne, giving Estelle a modern royal seal of approval alongside its Victorian elegance.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Estelle — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EstellaStellaEstelEstrelle

Nicknames

EssieElleStella

Famous Bearers

  • ★Princess Estelle of Sweden (2012–present)
    Swedish princess, daughter of Crown Princess Victoria; second in line to the Swedish throne.

If you like Estelle…

Stella— shares the same Latin star meaning and the same French/Roman elegance
Elspeth— shares the same vintage revival appeal and soft vintage feminine character
Celestine— another celestial name with French roots and the same starry theme
Celia— shares the same French-influenced vintage elegance and soft vowel ending

Frequently Asked

What does the name Estelle mean?

Estelle means 'star,' from the Latin stella, via the French and Occitan form of the name.

How do you pronounce Estelle?

Estelle is said es-TEL — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Estelle the same as Stella?

They share the same Latin root meaning 'star'; Estelle is the French form while Stella is the Latin form.

Is Estelle coming back in style?

Yes, Estelle has been steadily revived since the 2000s as part of the broader vintage name revival.