"star"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
Estela
Does Estela flow with your last name?
A luminous star name rooted in Spanish romance
Spanish
Portuguese
Latin American
Elegant
Classic
Earthy
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Estela
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Meaning & Origin
"celestial star"
Origin: Latin
Language: Portuguese
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The Story of Estela
Estela is a Spanish variant of Stella, derived from the Latin stella, meaning star. The name has deep roots in Iberian culture and is related to the French Estelle and English Stella. In Spain and Latin America, it carries a warm, celestial quality beloved in Catholic naming traditions.
Estela is a perennial favorite throughout the Spanish-speaking world, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and Argentina. In English-speaking countries, it has gained appeal as an alternative to the trendier Stella, offering a slightly more exotic and romantic feel.
In Hispanic Catholic tradition, names with celestial meanings like Estela carry spiritual significance, evoking the Star of Bethlehem and the Virgin Mary's title Stella Maris (Star of the Sea). The name is beloved for its classic elegance.
Historical Record
Estela first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,846 babies have been named Estela in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Estela is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,753 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Estela shares its root with the Latin word stella, from which astronomy's stellar comes
- Estela Grande is a fictional character in the TV series Jane the Virgin
- The name is a saint's name, with Estela celebrated in the Catholic calendar
Estela in Other Languages
French
Estelle
English
Stella
Italian
Stella
Spanish
Estela
Portuguese
Estela
Popularity Over Time
#1,753
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Estela
E
Estela de Carlotto
Activist
1930
Argentine human rights activist and president of Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo
E
Estela Noriega-Blum
Politician
Guatemalan politician and diplomat
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Compare Estela with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,753
- Total SSA Count
- 115
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Portuguese Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Estie
Ela
Tela
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Estela
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Estela
What does the name Estela mean?
"star" (from Latin). "celestial star" (from Latin). Estela is a Spanish variant of Stella, derived from the Latin stella, meaning star. The name has deep roots in Iberian culture and is related to the French Estelle and English Stella. In Spain and Latin America, it carries a warm, celestial quality beloved in Catholic naming traditions.
What is the origin of the name Estela?
Estela has Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American origins. In Latin, it means "star". In Latin, it means "celestial star".
Is Estela a boy or girl name?
Estela is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Estela?
Estela is currently ranked #1753 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Estela?
Common nicknames for Estela include Estie, Ela, and Tela.
What are good middle names for Estela?
Popular middle name pairings include Estela Marie, Estela Rosa, Estela Clara, Estela Grace, Estela Luna, and Estela Isabel.
What are good sibling names for Estela?
Names that pair well with Estela as siblings include Lucia, Carmen, Sofia, Diego, Mateo, and Emilio.
How many syllables does Estela have?
Estela has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Estela a common or rare name?
Estela is an uncommon name, ranked #1753 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Estela?
About the Name Estela
Estela is a girl name with Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American origins . The name means "star" in Latin .
Estela is currently ranked #1,753 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Estela has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Estela include Estie, Ela, and Tela. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Estela include Estella, Estelle, Ester, Estefany, Estefania . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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