Estella Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationes-TEL-uh / ɛsˈtɛləLatin; Spanish
Meaning
Latin: star; Spanish: derived from Estella
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Estella has its roots in the Latin word "stella," meaning "star." This etymological lineage can be traced back to the Latin language, where the term was used to denote celestial bodies. The name entered the English language through Old French, where it was adapted as "Estelle." The transition into English occurred during the medieval period, particularly as the Norman influence permeated British culture following the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The name Estella, as a derivative of Estelle, emerged in the 19th century, often associated with a romantic or poetic connotation due to its celestial meaning.
Historically, the name Estella has been linked to various literary and cultural milestones. One notable instance is its use in Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations," published in 1860-1861, where Estella is a central character representing beauty and unattainable desire. This association with literature has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Western culture. Additionally, the name has been borne by various saints and figures throughout history, although specific historical records of individuals named Estella are less prominent compared to other names.
Culturally, the name Estella carries connotations of brightness and aspiration, resonating with the symbolism of stars as guides or markers of hope. This celestial association has made it a favored choice in various artistic and literary contexts, enhancing its appeal across generations. The diminutive form "Stella" has also gained recognition, further emphasizing the name's connection to the theme of light and guidance. Overall, Estella's etymology, historical significance, and cultural resonance contribute to its lasting legacy.
Trend Summary
Estella has seen a modest resurgence in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Estelle
- Stella
International Variants
- Estelle (French)
- Stella (Italian)
- Estela (Spanish)
Famous people named Estella
Estella Warren is an actress and model best known for Planet of the Apes, The Cooler, and The Planet of the Apes.
Estella Scrooge is a character in the musical Scrooge, based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Fictional characters named Estella
Estella is a fictional character from the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. She is the beautiful but cold-hearted ward of Miss Havisham, who becomes the object of Pip's unrequited love.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Estella was first seen in the United States in 1880. Estella has ranked as high as #437 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Estella has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Estella (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 76 | |
TX | 72 | |
PA | 27 | |
OH | 27 | |
FL | 26 | |
NY | 24 | |
IL | 22 | |
NC | 20 | |
WA | 17 | |
AZ | 16 | |
IN | 16 | |
WI | 16 | |
TN | 14 | |
VA | 13 | |
CO | 13 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 162 |
1881 | 163 |
1882 | 198 |
1883 | 233 |
1884 | 222 |
1885 | 246 |
1886 | 246 |
1887 | 260 |
1888 | 303 |
1889 | 288 |
1890 | 320 |
1891 | 267 |
1892 | 332 |
1893 | 329 |
1894 | 335 |
1895 | 304 |
1896 | 363 |
1897 | 317 |
1898 | 319 |
1899 | 288 |
1900 | 365 |
1901 | 281 |
1902 | 283 |
1903 | 305 |
1904 | 344 |
1905 | 275 |
1906 | 271 |
1907 | 309 |
1908 | 317 |
1909 | 318 |
1910 | 377 |
1911 | 364 |
1912 | 394 |
1913 | 465 |
1914 | 514 |
1915 | 599 |
1916 | 595 |
1917 | 615 |
1918 | 597 |
1919 | 572 |
1920 | 616 |
1921 | 638 |
1922 | 616 |
1923 | 564 |
1924 | 583 |
1925 | 606 |
1926 | 577 |
1927 | 546 |
1928 | 535 |
1929 | 516 |
1930 | 460 |
1931 | 453 |
1932 | 444 |
1933 | 407 |
1934 | 371 |
1935 | 366 |
1936 | 356 |
1937 | 348 |
1938 | 333 |
1939 | 370 |
1940 | 358 |
1941 | 333 |
1942 | 357 |
1943 | 368 |
1944 | 334 |
1945 | 351 |
1946 | 371 |
1947 | 432 |
1948 | 399 |
1949 | 428 |
1950 | 396 |
1951 | 341 |
1952 | 386 |
1953 | 376 |
1954 | 364 |
1955 | 310 |
1956 | 355 |
1957 | 286 |
1958 | 292 |
1959 | 274 |
1960 | 285 |
1961 | 278 |
1962 | 222 |
1963 | 226 |
1964 | 215 |
1965 | 189 |
1966 | 189 |
1967 | 174 |
1968 | 169 |
1969 | 136 |
1970 | 150 |
1971 | 129 |
1972 | 101 |
1973 | 142 |
1974 | 125 |
1975 | 114 |
1976 | 103 |
1977 | 120 |
1978 | 101 |
1979 | 115 |
1980 | 100 |
1981 | 106 |
1982 | 90 |
1983 | 84 |
1984 | 75 |
1985 | 75 |
1986 | 68 |
1987 | 71 |
1988 | 69 |
1989 | 62 |
1990 | 57 |
1991 | 71 |
1992 | 73 |
1993 | 65 |
1994 | 57 |
1995 | 50 |
1996 | 67 |
1997 | 48 |
1998 | 66 |
1999 | 63 |
2000 | 67 |
2001 | 69 |
2002 | 98 |
2003 | 113 |
2004 | 204 |
2005 | 196 |
2006 | 178 |
2007 | 201 |
2008 | 206 |
2009 | 225 |
2010 | 250 |
2011 | 234 |
2012 | 300 |
2013 | 289 |
2014 | 280 |
2015 | 317 |
2016 | 307 |
2017 | 352 |
2018 | 370 |
2019 | 354 |
2020 | 374 |
2021 | 452 |
2022 | 633 |
2023 | 488 |
2024 | 608 |