Find out how popular the first name Stellan has been for the last 26 years (from 1998 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Stellan by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Stellan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Stellan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 121 male babies and 6 female babies born with the name Stellan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby girls were named Stellan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Stellan

The name Stellan is a Swedish masculine given name derived from the Old Norse word "stiǫrnu," meaning "star." The name's etymology can be traced back to the Viking Age, around the 8th to 11th centuries AD, when the Norse people inhabited Scandinavia and parts of Northern Europe.

Historically, the name Stellan was used among the Norse people, who were known for their seafaring and navigation skills. The reference to stars in the name's meaning likely reflects the importance of celestial bodies in navigation during that era. The earliest recorded instances of the name Stellan date back to the 13th century in Sweden.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Stellan was Stellan Arvidsson, a Swedish clergyman and writer who lived from 1455 to 1519. He is known for his work "Frihetsvisorna" (Songs of Freedom), which played a significant role in the Swedish struggle for independence from the Kalmar Union.

Another historical figure with the name Stellan was Stellan Pettersson, a Swedish pirate and naval commander who lived from 1624 to 1696. He is remembered for his daring exploits during the Scanian War, where he commanded a fleet of privateers against Danish and Dutch ships.

In more recent history, the name Stellan gained prominence through the Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, born in 1951. He has appeared in numerous films, including "Good Will Hunting," "The Hunt for Red October," and the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. Skarsgård's sons, Alexander, Bill, and Valter, have also become successful actors, carrying on the family's legacy in the entertainment industry.

Another notable individual with the name Stellan is Stellan Nilsson, a Swedish professional golfer born in 1936. He won the British Open in 1966 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

Lastly, Stellan Wollter, a Swedish politician and diplomat born in 1920, served as the Swedish Ambassador to the United Nations from 1977 to 1983 and played a crucial role in mediating conflicts and promoting international cooperation during his tenure.

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

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

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