What does Estella mean and where does it come from?
Estella is a name derived from the Latin word 'stella', meaning 'star'. The name became popular in Spanish-speaking regions, and it is often linked to the literary character Estella Havisham from Charles Dickens's novel 'Great Expectations'. It has enjoyed popularity in English-speaking countries as
Cultural significance
Estella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of star.
Peak popularity
Reached #106 in 1883 — currently #611 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Estella?
Estella works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Estella Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Estella Rose
Floral · soft ending
Estella Mae
Sweet · timeless
Estella Claire
French influence · crisp
Estella Jane
Literary · strong
Estella Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Estella right now?
Falling — down 112 spots — currently #611 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #611 | 488 | ▼ down 112 · -23% births |
| 2022 | #499 | 633 | ▲ up 160 · +40% births |
| 2021 | #659 | 452 | ▲ up 72 · +22% births |
| 2020 | #731 | 370 | ▲ up 144 · +17% births |
| 2015 | #875 | 317 | ▲ up 128 · +27% births |
| 2010 | #1003 | 250 | ▲ up 170 · +28% births |
| 2005 | #1173 | 196 | ▲ up 1132 · +193% births |
| 2000 | #2305 | 67 | ▲ up 211 · +34% births |
| 1995 | #2516 | 50 | ▼ down 282 · -12% births |
| 1990 | #2234 | 57 | ▼ down 646 · -24% births |
| 1985 | #1588 | 75 | ▼ down 312 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #1276 | 100 | ▼ down 234 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #1042 | 114 | ▼ down 158 · -24% births |
| 1970 | #884 | 150 | ▼ down 162 · -21% births |
| 1965 | #722 | 189 | — |
The story of Estella
Estella has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 40,191 babies have received this name. Once ranked #111 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #611 in 2023. Estella is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Estella in 1883:
Estella by decade
Estella peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,326 | |
| 1890s | 3,174 | |
| 1900s | 3,068 | |
| 1910s | 5,103 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,797 | |
| 1930s | 3,926 | |
| 1940s | 3,742 | |
| 1950s | 3,385 | |
| 1960s | 2,087 | |
| 1970s | 1,200 | |
| 1980s | 800 | |
| 1990s | 617 | |
| 2000s | 1,557 | |
| 2010s | 3,039 | |
| 2020s | 370 | |
What are good nicknames for Estella?
Famous people named Estella
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Estella (Spanish saint)
Estella helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
E(
Estella (Flamenco artist)
Estella carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
E(
Estella (Latin American historical figure)
Estella used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
E(
Estella (Spanish royal)
Estella held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Estella?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Estella also consider these
How is Estella written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Estella
What does the name Estella mean?
Estella means "star" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Estella?
Estella is currently ranked #611 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Estella have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Estella?
Estella originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Estella?
Estella is a three-syllable name pronounced EH0 S T EH1 L AH0. 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 Estella?
Estella pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.