"little she-goat"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Capella
Pronunciation: [ k-uhp-EHL-uh ]
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A golden star name that glows between chapel and cosmos
Italian
Astronomical/International
Unique
Elegant
Whimsical
Spiritual
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Capella
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"chapel, small church"
Origin: Italian/Latin
Language: Italian
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The Story of Capella
Capella comes from the Latin diminutive of 'caper,' meaning little goat or she-goat, giving the name a charming pastoral quality. In astronomy, Capella is the brightest star in the constellation Auriga and the sixth brightest star in the entire night sky. Ancient Roman astronomers associated the star with the she-goat Amalthea who nursed the infant Jupiter, elevating the humble goat name to celestial grandeur.
Capella is gaining traction among parents drawn to astronomical names and celestial themes. As space exploration captures public imagination and names like Luna, Lyra, Orion, and Stella rise in popularity, Capella offers a rare and melodious alternative with genuine astronomical heritage.
In Italian, 'cappella' means chapel or small church, making the name carry dual resonance of devotion and artistry. The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) and the musical term 'a cappella' (meaning in chapel style, i.e., unaccompanied) both derive from this root, giving the name rich artistic associations.
Historical Record
Capella first appeared in US Social Security records in 2015.
Over 5 babies have been named Capella in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Capella is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #42,183 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Capella is actually a binary star system made of two giant stars orbiting each other
- Capella is the closest bright star to the celestial north pole
- The term 'a cappella' in music derives from the same Latin root, meaning 'in chapel style'
Capella in Other Languages
Latin
Capella
Arabic
كابيلا
French
Capella
Italian
Capella
Spanish
Capella
Popularity Over Time
#42,183
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Capella
C
Capella (Auriga)
Other
The brightest star in the constellation Auriga and sixth brightest star in the night sky, visible year-round from northe...
The brightest star in the constellation Auriga and sixth brightest star in the night sky, visible year-round from northern latitudes
A
Amalthea (mythology) Fictional
Other
The she-goat of Greek myth who nursed Zeus as an infant; the star Capella is associated with her legend
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #42,183
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Astronomical/International
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Cappy
Cap
Ella
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Capella
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Capella
What does the name Capella mean?
"little she-goat" (from Latin). "chapel, small church" (from Italian/Latin). Capella comes from the Latin diminutive of 'caper,' meaning little goat or she-goat, giving the name a charming pastoral quality. In astronomy, Capella is the brightest star in the constellation Auriga and the sixth brightest star in the entire night sky. Ancient Roman astronomers associated the star with the she-goat Amalthea who nursed the infant Jupiter, elevating the humble goat name to celestial grandeur.
What is the origin of the name Capella?
Capella has Latin, Italian/Latin, Italian, and Astronomical/International origins. In Latin, it means "little she-goat". In Italian/Latin, it means "chapel, small church".
Is Capella a boy or girl name?
Capella is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Capella?
Capella is pronounced k-uhp-EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Capella?
Capella is currently ranked #42183 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Capella?
Common nicknames for Capella include Cappy, Cap, and Ella.
What are good middle names for Capella?
Popular middle name pairings include Capella Grace, Capella Rose, Capella Skye, Capella Dawn, Capella Wren, Capella Luz, and Capella Vera.
What are good sibling names for Capella?
Names that pair well with Capella as siblings include Lyra, Vega, Orion, Cassio, Stella, Nova, and Altair.
How many syllables does Capella have?
Capella has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Capella a common or rare name?
Capella is an uncommon name, ranked #42183 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Capella
Capella is a girl name with Italian and Astronomical/International origins . The name means "little she-goat" in Latin .
Capella is currently ranked #42,183 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Capella has 3 syllables and is pronounced k-uhp-EHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Capella include Cappy, Cap, and Ella. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis