Rising since 2005, #1,622 for girls today.
Popularity of Estela since 1903
Babies named Estela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 28 |
| 1910s | 195 |
| 1920s | 568 |
| 1930s | 661 |
| 1940s | 720 |
| 1950s | 1,007 |
| 1960s | 802 |
| 1970s | 929 |
| 1980s | 869 |
| 1990s | 939 |
| 2000s | 839 |
| 2010s | 872 |
| 2020s | 718 |
Meaning & origin
Estela, a Spanish and Portuguese form of Stella, has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States since 2005. In 2023, it ranked 1622nd, with a 1-in-12,557 frequency. Its peak year so far was 2023, suggesting growing appeal among parents seeking a melodic alternative to the more common Stella. The name, meaning 'star', carries celestial charm and is especially popular in states like Alabama, California, and Arizona. Its first recorded U.S. use dates to 1903, giving it a long but quiet history before its recent ascent.
Estela is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Stella, which derives from the Latin word 'stella' meaning 'star'. It has been used in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America as a feminine name, often associated with the Virgin Mary under the title Stella Maris (Star of the Sea).
Where Estela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Estela” around the world
Where Estela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Stella, Ela, Esti
Sibling names for Estela
Names that share Estela's style, for a brother or sister.
