Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Estella
GirlLatin, Spanish· “star”
- Meaning
- star
- Origin
- Latin, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- eh-STEL-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #509
- US babies 2025
- 581
- Best rank
- #106 (1883)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Estella
Estella is a Latin and Spanish name that means “star”.
Estella comes from the Latin stella, meaning "star," through Spanish and Provençal forms. Charles Dickens gave the name lasting literary fame in Great Expectations, where Estella is the beautiful, cold ward of Miss Havisham and the object of Pip's affection. The name has a graceful, old-fashioned elegance and has benefited from the revival of vintage names like Stella and Esther. Stella, Ella and Essie are all possible nicknames, which gives it flexibility from childhood to adulthood. The celestial meaning adds a gentle sparkle.
Popularity over time
Estella has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 108 different years. Its best national rank was #106 in 1883, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 638 were named Estella. In 2025, 581 babies were named Estella, and it ranked #509 nationally. That is 83% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #264 in 1920, #401 in 1950, #1,278 in 1980, #2,316 in 2000, #1,006 in 2010, and #509 in 2025. Of the 42,920 US girls named Estella since records began, 14% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 5,092 babies. Since 2010, 6,192 more have been named Estella.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nannie, Elinor, Clarice, Elvira, and Harriett.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Estella ranked highest in Arkansas, New Mexico, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | #168 | 18 |
| New Mexico | #268 | 6 |
| Minnesota | #273 | 20 |
| Oregon | #307 | 12 |
| Iowa | #332 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Estella is usually pronounced eh-STEL-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with E and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Estella
A few middle names that flow with Estella: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Estella
Similar names
Estrella Girl
ehs-TREH-yuh
“star” · Spanish
#612
Camilla Girl
kuh-MIH-luh
“from a Roman family name, perhaps 'young attendant'” · Latin
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Viola Girl
vy-OH-luh
“violet” · Latin
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Camila Girl
kuh-MEE-luh
“young ceremonial attendant” · Spanish
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Stella Girl
STEL-uh
“star” · Latin
#52
Priscilla Girl
prih-SIH-luh
“ancient” · Latin
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Marcella Girl
mar-SEL-uh
“of Mars; from Marcellus” · Latin
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Solana Girl
soh-LAH-nuh
“sunshine” · Spanish
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Fabiola Girl
fah-bee-OH-luh
“from the Roman name Fabius; bean” · Latin
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Daniela Girl
dan-YEH-luh
“God is my judge” · Spanish
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Angela Girl
AN-juh-luh
“angel, messenger” · Latin
#408
Michaela Girl
mih-KAY-luh
“who is like God?” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Estella
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Estella mean?
Estella is a Latin and Spanish name that means “star”.
What is the origin of the name Estella?
Estella has Latin and Spanish roots. Estella comes from the Latin stella, meaning "star," through Spanish and Provençal forms.
Is Estella a popular name?
Yes. Estella ranked #509 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Estella a boy or girl name?
Estella is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Estella?
Estella is usually pronounced eh-STEL-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings