Stella Name Meaning: Stella is a Latin name meaning “star.” Stella was the name of several early saints and martyrs, including Saint Stella of Syracuse. The name was popularized in the Middle Ages by the legend of Saint Wilgefortis, also known as Uncumber.
According to legend, she was an ugly woman who prayed to be released from her wedding to a pagan king. She was miraculously transformed into a beautiful woman with a star on her forehead, and her betrothed rejected her.
The name Stella became associated with beauty and purity. The popularity of the name Stella increased in the 19th century due to the popularity of the opera La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini, in which the heroine is named Mimì.
The name has been used steadily since then. In recent years, it has become viral in Italy and Spain. Many famous people called Stella, including actresses Stella Adler and Stella McCartney, fashion designer Stella Jean, singer/songwriter Stefani Germanotta (better known as Lady Gaga), and author J.K.
Rowling (who named one of the characters in her Harry Potter series after herself). There are also fictional Stellas, such as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire and Stella Kowalski in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Whether you’re looking for a traditional name with deep roots or a modern name that’s just beginning to catch on, Stella
Stella Origin and Meaning
The name Stella is of Latin origin, meaning “star.” It was popularized as a given name by the 19th-century Italian opera singer Adelina Patti, known as “La Stellina.”
Stella can be used as a standalone given name or as a nickname for Estelle, Isabella, or other names ending in -sta.
In English, Stella is most often used as a feminine given name. However, in recent years there has been an increase in the use of Stella as a unisex or gender-neutral name. This is likely due to the popularity of the television show “Orange is the New Black,” in which one of the main characters is a trans woman named Stella Carlin (played by Ruby Rose).
The popularity of the name Stella has fluctuated over time. In the United States, it was ranked among the top 1,000 baby girl names from 1880 to 1934 but fell out of favour in the mid-20th century. In recent years, however, it has been making a comeback: it was ranked #938 for girls born in 2017.
Stella Popularity
Stella has been in use since the 19th century and has steadily increased in popularity. In 2018, it was the 293rd most popular girl’s name in the United States.
There are a few possible explanations for the name’s popularity. One is that it is a diminutive form of the Latin name Stella, which means “star.” The star connection could also explain why the name is popular among Hollywood celebrities; several well-known actresses have been named Stella, including Stella Adler, Stella Stevens, and Stella McCartney.
Another reason for the name’s popularity may be its similarity to other famous names such as Estelle, Isabella, and Bella. It shares the same meaning as these names (beautiful) but is less common than them. This makes it a good choice for parents who want something unique for their child without straying too far from traditional names.
Finally, the name Stella has religious significance as well. It is one of the many names used for the Virgin Mary and thus has a long history of use in Christian families.
Name Variations
The name Stella can be spelt differently, including Estelle, Stellah, and Stellar. While the meaning of the name remains the same, these other variations can give the name a slightly different feel. For example, Estelle might be seen as a more traditional name spelling, while Stellar might be seen as a more modern variation.
There are also a few nicknames that you can use for Stella, including:
- Stell: A diminutive of Stella that can be used as a standalone name or as a nickname.
- Star: A simple nickname for Stella that references her celestial meaning.
- Stelly: A playful nickname for Stella that is similar to her actual name.
Nicknames for Stella
There are many nicknames for the name Stella, some of which are popular. Here are a few of the most common:
- Stell
- Stelly
- Star
- Stella Bella
- Bella Stella
- Stela
- Estrella
- Lella
- Stellar
20 Names Similar to Stella
When it comes to baby names, there are endless possibilities. But if you’re looking for a name similar to Stella, here are 20 options.
- Olivia: This classic name has been in the top 10 girl names for the past decade. It means “olive tree” and is of Latin origin.
- Sophia: This name has been popular for centuries and means “wisdom” in Greek.
- Emma: This name is of German origin and means “universal.” It’s currently in the top 10 list of girl names.
- Isabella: This beautiful name is of Italian origin and means “God is my oath.” It’s also a variation of Elizabeth.
- Amelia: This name is of Latin origin and means “work.” Amelia Earhart is one famous bearer of this name.
- Emily: This timeless name is of Latin origin and means “rival.” Emily Dickinson is one famous bearer of this name.
- Ella: This diminutive form of Eleanor or Ellen is of English origin and means “light.” Ella Fitzgerald was one famous bearer of this name.
- Harper: This unisex name gained popularity in recent years thanks to author Harper Lee and her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The meaning of Harper varies depending on its gender usage; a girl’s name typically means “harp player”, while a boy’s name usually refers to someone who plays the harp in an orchestra.
- Hazel: This nature-inspired name came into use as a given name in the late 19th century and early 20th century but has since become more popular as a middle rather than a first name. It derives from the Old English hæsel, which referred to the hazelnut tree or nut.
- Aurora: The Latin word for “dawn,” Aurora was the Roman goddess of the morning. It’s become quite popular recently, likely due in part to Disney’s Sleeping Beauty character Princess Aurora, whose real name was Briar Rose.
- Luna: Luna was another Roman goddess—this time, she presided over the moon. In recent years, Luna has been gaining popularity as a baby girl’s name inside and outside the US: it reached number 37 on Nameberry’s global list in 2017.
- Willow: A type of tree, willow gets its meaning from Old English well. In addition to being used as a given
- Ivy: Ivy plants are known for their ability to climb walls —which might be why they often gave this name to girls born around Christmastime (holly and ivy being traditional holiday plants ). Ivy can also be short for Ivette or Ivana.
- Daisy: Daisies are simple yet beautiful flowers that have come to symbolize innocence. The name itself derives from an Old English term meaning “day’s eye” —likely referring to how daisies open up at dawn.
- Poppy: Though they may be small, poppies pack a punch when it comes to reputation: they’re associated with both Remembrance Day( commemorating soldiers who have died in the war ) and MemorialDay (honouring all deceased US military personnel ). As given.
- Rose: A rose by any other would smell just as sweet —but wouldn’t be nearly as famous for baby girl names! Roses have been symbols
- Violet: Violet flowers are delicate and lovely, much like the girls who bear this name, though it can also be seen as a variation on Viola( another flower-related moniker )
- Lily: Lilies come in different colours but most often represent purity
- innocence, or femininity
- which might explain why it often appears in baby girl names.
Famous People Named Stella
Famous Stellas:
Many famous people named Stella, including actresses Stella McCartney and Stella Adler, model Stella Tennant, and singer/songwriter Sting (whose real name is Gordon Sumner). Other well-known Stellas include the character Stella Kowalski from A Streetcar Named Desire, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s daughter Carol Thatcher, and journalist Anna Politkovskaya.
Fictional Stellas:
Fictional characters named Stella include the titular character from the movie Titanic and characters from popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Parks and Recreation, and How I Met Your Mother. There have also been many books named after the character Stella Dallas, including the novel by Olive Higgins Prouty.
More Baby Names
If you’re looking for more baby name ideas, check out our lists of popular baby girl and boy names.
Famous people who gave their babies this name
Celebrities:
Some famous people who have named their daughters Stella include:
- actresses Jennifer Garner and Penelope Cruz
- musician John Lennon
- author J.D. Salinger
- basketball player LeBron James
Royals:
In recent years, several members of European royalty have given the name Stella to their daughters, including:
- Princess Madeleine of Sweden
- Princess Charlene of Monaco
- Infanta Leonor of Spain
- Duchess Kate Middleton of Cambridge (who has a middle name of Elizabeth)
Politicians:
A few politicians have also chosen the name Stella for their daughters, including:
- former Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin
- current Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte
- former President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner
Stella Name Meaning: in Pop Culture
Movies:
There are many movies with characters named Stella, including “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” and “Interstellar.”
Music:
Artists such as John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young have all written songs with the name Stella in the title. There are also numerous songs with the word “star” in the title that could be considered to be about someone named Stella.
Television:
The TV show “How I Met Your Mother” features a character named Stella Zinman, played by actress Sarah Chalke. The show “Star Trek: The Next Generation” also has a character named Lieutenant Commander Data, who has a daughter named Stella.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the name Stella and its meaning. This beautiful name is perfect for a little girl who is as bright as a star. If you’re looking for more baby name inspiration, check out our list of 20 names similar to Stella. Do you have any favourite famous Stellas? Let us know in the comments below!
