Find out how popular the first name Estel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Estel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Estel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 60% of people named Estel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Estel.

It's also interesting to see that despite Estel being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Estel.

The history of the first name Estel

The name Estel is derived from the Sindarin Elvish language, created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his fictional universe of Middle-earth. It means "hope" or "trust" in Sindarin, and was the Elvish name given to Aragorn, the heir to the throne of Gondor, in Tolkien's epic fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings."

Tolkien drew inspiration from various ancient languages and mythologies when creating his Elvish languages and naming conventions. The name Estel may have been influenced by the Old Norse word "ást," meaning "love" or "affection," as well as the Old English word "ést," meaning "grace" or "favor."

In Tolkien's legendary tales, Aragorn was initially raised by Elrond, the Elven lord of Rivendell, under the name Estel to conceal his true identity and protect him from the forces of evil. His true name, Aragorn, was not revealed until he came of age and embarked on his quest to reclaim the throne of Gondor.

Outside of Tolkien's fictional works, the name Estel has been adopted by some individuals, particularly those inspired by the themes and characters from his writings. However, it remains relatively uncommon as a given name.

One notable individual named Estel was Estel Lizarraga (1942-2018), a Spanish poet, writer, and translator. She was known for her works exploring themes of identity, feminism, and social issues.

Another person with the name Estel was Estel Vilarrodona (1934-2003), a Catalan writer and journalist who published several novels and short story collections during her career.

In the world of music, Estel Masià is a Spanish singer-songwriter who has released several albums since the early 2000s, blending folk and pop styles.

Estel Solé (born 1975) is a Spanish actress and television presenter, best known for her work in various Catalan television series and films.

While not a widely used name, Estel holds significant meaning and symbolism within the realm of Tolkien's literary works, representing hope, resilience, and the fulfillment of destiny. Its unique origins and ties to the rich world of Middle-earth have contributed to its adoption by individuals drawn to its powerful connotations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Estel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Estel, please contact us.

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