All about the name

Stella

Female

« Stella is a Latin name derived from the word "stella", meaning "star". It signifies brightness and guidance, reflecting its association with stars used for navigation throughout history. »

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Meaning, origin, history

The name Stella is of Latin origin and means "star". It has been used as a given name since the 19th century but was more popular in the early 20th century, particularly among English-speaking countries. Stella comes from the Latin word for star, "stella", which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ster-" meaning "star". It is often associated with concepts of brightness and guidance, as stars have been used throughout history to navigate by sailors and inspire astronomers alike. In literature and art, Stella has been a popular choice for characters due to its celestial connotations. For example, it was the name of one of Robert Louis Stevenson's characters in his poem "A Christmas Sermon". In music, singer and songwriter Sting gave his daughter the name Stella, born in 1982. While not particularly common today, the name Stella remains a classic choice for parents seeking something elegant yet approachable. Its meaning adds a touch of mystique to an otherwise familiar-sounding moniker. Overall, Stella is an attractive option that carries with it a certain celestial glamour without being overly flashy or trendy.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Stella since 1880

Total births
198,452
Total since 1880
Peak year
2018
5,161 births
in 2023
4,357
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+26%
vs previous 5 years