Currently one of the top baby names in the United States, Stella is popular with celebrities and non-celebrities alike. The feminine moniker is sweet and pairs well with many middle names. It also has both spiritual and religious meanings.
Meaning and Origin of the Name Stella:
Stella is the Latin word for star. It was first used as a given name for girls around the end of the Middle Ages. At this time, Stella was often used in descriptions of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It saw use as a first name after the publication of “Astrophel and Stella” in the 1580s. The name enjoyed a period of popularity at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century. It experienced a resurgence in the 2000s.
Symbolism of the Name Stella:
Because Stella means “star,” the name often symbolizes the celestial world. Stella Maris, which means “star of the sea,” was also a title given to the Virgin Mary, so Stella has some Biblical symbolism as well.
Nicknames for the Name Stella:
A special name like Stella needs some good nicknames. We've got a great list of the best nicknames for Stella here, including some we're sure you haven't thought of. Consider each option carefully, and pick the one that fits your child best!
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Style of the Name Stella:
Traditional
Gender of the Name Stella:
Stella is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the Name Stella:
STELL-ah
Number of Syllables in the Name Stella:
Two
Emotion Evoked from the Name Stella:
The baby name Stella evokes the image of someone who is feminine and sensitive.
Alternative Spellings for the Name Stella:
- Stellah
Popularity of the Name Stella:
Stella was one of the top 100 names for girls throughout the early 1900s, according to the Social Security Administration. While it fell out of favor for a while during the latter part of the century, it came back with a vengeance in the 2010s. In 2022, Stella ranked at number 40 on the list of top baby girl names in the United States.
Related Names for the Name Stella:
Great Middle Names for Stella and Their Meanings:
- Brooke (small stream)
- Harper (harp player)
- Kate (pure)
- Luna (moon)
- Marie (star of the sea)
- Ruby (red gemstone)
- Renee (born again)
- Taylor (tailor)
Famous People with the Name Stella:
- Stella Adler (actress and famous acting teacher)
- Stella Stevens (actress and model)
- Stella Ashcroft (gymnast)
- Stealla Dupont (politician)
- Stella McCartney (fashion designer)
- Stella Maessen (singer)
Stellas in Popular Culture:
- Stella Bonasera (character on the TV show “CSI: NY”)
- Stella Chernak (character on the TV show “Peyton Place”)
- Stella Kowalski (character in the play “A Streetcar Named Desire”)
- Stella Malone (character on the TV show “Jonas”)
- Stella the Star Fairy (character in the “Rainbow Magic” book series)
- Stella the Storyteller (character on the TV show “Barney and Friends”)