"star"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Estella
Pronunciation: [ ehst-EHL-uh ]
Does Estella flow with your last name?
A star with Dickensian elegance
Spanish
Italian
English
French
Elegant
Literary
Vintage
Sophisticated
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Estella
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the cold, manipulative character Estella in Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations'
- May evoke 'Stella' from 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
The Story of Estella
Estella is a Latinate elaboration of 'stella,' meaning star. The name entered the English-speaking world largely through Charles Dickens, who named his cold-hearted heroine Estella in 'Great Expectations' (1861). Despite the character's frosty reputation, the name itself shines with celestial beauty.
Estella has been climbing steadily as parents seek alternatives to the ubiquitous Stella, offering the same starry meaning with added elegance and literary flair.
In Spanish and Italian cultures, variants like Estrella and Stella have long been beloved; Estella offers an old-world formal feel that feels fresh today.
Historical Record
Estella first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 15,245 babies have been named Estella in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Estella is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #501 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Estella is the name of the protagonist's love interest in Dickens' 'Great Expectations,' published in 1861.
- The name shares its root with astronomy terms like 'stellar' and 'constellation.'
- Estella ranked in the US top 1000 for the first time in decades in 2020.
Estella in Other Languages
French
Estelle
Italian
Stella
Spanish
Estrella
Portuguese
Estela
Popularity Over Time
#501
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Estella
E
Estella Warren
Actor
1978
Canadian actress and model known for Planet of the Apes (2001)
E
Estella Blain
Actor
1930
French actress of the 1950s–1970s
E
Estella Fictional
Other
The cold, beautiful heroine of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #501
- Total SSA Count
- 608
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian English French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Stella
Essie
Elle
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English 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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Estella
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Estella is also used as a boy name, ranked #31433.
View Estella as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Estella
What does the name Estella mean?
"star" (from Latin). Estella is a Latinate elaboration of 'stella,' meaning star. The name entered the English-speaking world largely through Charles Dickens, who named his cold-hearted heroine Estella in 'Great Expectations' (1861). Despite the character's frosty reputation, the name itself shines with celestial beauty.
What is the origin of the name Estella?
Estella has Latin, Spanish, Italian, English, and French origins. In Latin, it means "star".
Is Estella a boy or girl name?
Estella is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #501. As a boy name, it is ranked #31433. Estella is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Estella?
Estella is pronounced ehst-EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Estella?
Estella is currently ranked #501 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Estella?
Common nicknames for Estella include Stella, Essie, and Elle.
What are good middle names for Estella?
Popular middle name pairings include Estella Rose, Estella Jane, Estella Marie, Estella Claire, Estella Grace, Estella Louise, and Estella Frances.
What are good sibling names for Estella?
Names that pair well with Estella as siblings include Oliver, Felix, Hugo, Adelaide, Vivienne, Cecily, and Arthur.
How many syllables does Estella have?
Estella has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Estella a common or rare name?
Estella is moderately common, ranked #501 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Estella?
About the Name Estella
Estella is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, English, and French origins . The name means "star" in Latin .
Is Estella a boy or girl name? Estella is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #501 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #31,433. Estella is more commonly used as a girl name.
Estella is currently ranked #501 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Estella has 3 syllables and is pronounced ehst-EHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Estella include Stella, Essie, and Elle. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Estella include Estelle, Ester, Estefany, Estela, 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