Celeste is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "caelestis", which means "of the sky" or "heavenly". The name Celeste was first used as an Italian surname before being adopted as a given name.
The name Celeste has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Celeste Oglesby, an American singer-songwriter, and Celeste Barber, an Australian comedian and model, carrying the name. Despite its popularity, Celeste remains relatively uncommon compared to other names of Latin origin like Sophia or Isabella.
Celeste is often associated with celestial themes and imagery due to its meaning. It has been used in literature, art, and music as a way to evoke a sense of heavenly beauty or transcendence. For example, the French composer Hector Berlioz wrote a symphony titled "Symphonie Fantastique" featuring a movement called "L'Absence", which was inspired by his love for a woman named Celeste.
In popular culture, Celeste has been featured in various films and television shows, such as the 2018 film "Celeste & Jesse Forever" starring Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg. The name also appears in books like "The Story of Celeste" by Jessica Koch, which tells the tale of a young girl who embarks on a journey to find her place in the world.
Overall, Celeste is a unique and elegant given name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its association with celestial themes makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep roots and poetic significance.
The name Celeste had a fluctuating popularity over the years. Starting from just 14 births in 1881, it gradually increased to reach its peak in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with over 700 births per year between 1955 and 1962. However, after the mid-1960s, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly, dropping below 500 births per year by the late 1970s. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of annual births rarely exceeding 600. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity, with over 1000 births recorded in both 2021 and 2022. Overall, Celeste was given to a total of 62,387 babies between 1881 and 2023.