Estela
“star” — Symbolizes brightness and hope
Spain origin · Girl name
#1624US 2025
128Births / yr
↑Rising
8.8kAll-time births
📅 Since 190300.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Estela
EST·EL·uh
/ˈɛst.ˈɛl.ə/ · stress on EST · 3 syllables
“star”
Symbolizes brightness and hope · Spain origin
What does Estela mean and where does it come from?
Estela is a common female name in Spanish-speaking countries, derived from the Latin 'stella,' which means 'star.' It symbolizes brightness and hope. The name has been used since the Middle Ages and has variations in other languages, such as Estelle in French and Stella in Italian. Notably, Estela i
Cultural significance
Estela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of star.
Peak popularity
Reached #746 in 1932 — currently #1624 in the US.
How popular is Estela right now?
Rising fast — up 133 spots — currently #1624 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Estela
Estela entered American naming records in 1903 and has been in use for over 121 years. With 8,518 total births recorded, Estela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1901 in 1905 to #1582 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Estela in 1932:
Estela by decade
Estela peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 28 | |
| 1910s | 195 | |
| 1920s | 568 | |
| 1930s | 661 | |
| 1940s | 720 | |
| 1950s ★ | 1,007 | |
| 1960s | 802 | |
| 1970s | 929 | |
| 1980s | 866 | |
| 1990s | 938 | |
| 2000s | 839 | |
| 2010s | 870 | |
| 2020s | 338 |
With 8,518 total births, Estela is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Estela?
ENGLISH
Essie
GREEK
Stella
ITALIAN
Maristella
PORTUGUESE
Maristela
How is Estela written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Estela
What does the name Estela mean?
Estela means "star" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Estela?
Estela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Estela have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Estela?
Estela originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Estela?
Estela is a three-syllable name pronounced EST-EL-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Estela?
Estela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.