Estelle

Estelle is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the French word "étoile," which means "star." The name has been used in France since the Middle Ages and was often bestowed upon children born under unusual or remarkable circumstances. The name Estelle gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 19th century, likely due to its musical connotations. In French literature, it was made famous by Honoré de Balzac's novel "Père Goriot," in which one of the main characters is named Estelle. Additionally, the name has been used in several operas and other musical works, such as "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi. Estelle was also a popular given name among French royalty throughout history. For example, Estelle de Roussillon was the mother of King Louis IX of France, and Estelle de Réchac was a noblewoman who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Austria. Despite its French origins, Estelle has been used in various forms around the world. In Spain, it is often spelled "Estela," while in Italy, it may appear as "Stella." The name has also gained popularity in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. In summary, Estelle is a feminine given name of French origin that means "star." It has been used throughout history by both royalty and commoners alike and has gained popularity in various forms around the world due to its musical connotations and literary appearances.