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

Popularity of Estela by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Estela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 131 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Estela.

The history of the first name Estela

The name Estela originated from the Latin word "stella," which means "star." It has its roots in ancient Roman culture, where stars held significant celestial and mythological importance. The name was likely derived as a feminine form of the masculine name "Stellius" or "Stellanus," both meaning "of the stars."

During the Roman era, the name Estela was not widely used, but it gained popularity in the Medieval period across various European regions, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It is believed that the name's widespread adoption was influenced by the veneration of saints and religious figures associated with stars or celestial themes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Estela can be traced back to the 12th century in Spain. Estela Sánchez de Navarra (1148-1235) was a Spanish noblewoman and the wife of King Sancho VI of Navarre. Her name is documented in historical records and chronicles of the time.

In the 14th century, Estela de Forment (1313-1386) was a prominent Catalan painter and illuminator active in Barcelona, Spain. She is considered one of the earliest known professional female artists in the Iberian Peninsula.

During the Renaissance period, Estela Calderini (1483-1542) was an Italian humanist, scholar, and poet from Milan. She was renowned for her mastery of Latin and Greek literature and was highly regarded in intellectual circles of her time.

In the 17th century, Estela Roîs (1611-1688) was a French playwright and novelist from Grenoble. She wrote several popular plays and novels that explored themes of love, honor, and societal norms.

Another notable figure with the name Estela was Estela Canto (1915-1994), a Mexican actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. She was renowned for her versatility and captivating performances on stage and screen.

While the name Estela has its origins in ancient Roman culture, it has been adapted and embraced across various regions and cultures over the centuries, particularly in Europe and Latin America. The name's association with celestial themes and its rich historical legacy have contributed to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

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 Estela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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