Holding steady.
Popularity of Castella since 1909
Babies named Castella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1929, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Castella's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 26 |
| 1920s | 61 |
| 1930s | 45 |
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Castella is a rare and enigmatic name in the United States, first appearing in Social Security records in 1909. It has never ranked among the top 1,000 names, reflecting its uncommon usage. Despite its rarity, the name holds a gentle, melodic quality that echoes classical and literary roots. Its uncertain origin adds an air of mystery, possibly linking to Greek mythology through the name Castalia, or to Latin-derived place names meaning 'fort'. The name's peak recorded usage occurred in 1909, its very first year on record, with no notable revival in later decades. Castella's trajectory has been stable but minuscule, with no strong association with any particular state or region. For parents seeking a distinctive name with a poetic resonance, Castella offers a unique choice that stands apart from more familiar variants like Cassandra or Catalina.
The name Castella likely originated as a modern coinage or a variant of Castalia. Castalia was a nymph in Greek mythology who transformed into a spring on Mount Parnassus, sacred to the Muses and associated with poetic inspiration. The name may also be a feminine elaboration of Castel, a surname or place name derived from Latin 'castellum' meaning 'fort'. Its use as a given name in the United States appears to have been rare, with the first recorded instance in 1909.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cassie, Ella, Casta
Variants: Castalia, Castela
Sibling names for Castella
Names that share Castella's style, for a brother or sister.
