Estella is a unique and elegant name of Italian origin, meaning "star" in Latin. It is derived from the Italian word "stella," which refers to a star in the night sky. Estella has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as the protagonist in Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations."
The name Estella was likely brought into popularity through literature and its association with the charming and intelligent character in Dickens' novel. The author himself may have derived the name from Latin roots or possibly Italian influences.
In terms of popularity, Estella has been relatively steady throughout the years but remains a lesser-known choice compared to more common names like Emily or Emma. Despite this, Estella carries an air of sophistication and uniqueness that sets it apart from other names.
Today, parents continue to choose Estella for their daughters, drawn to its elegant sound and rich history. While it may not be as widespread as some other names, Estella continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its unique charm and significance.
The name Estella has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. From the late 19th century to the early to mid-20th century, the number of births with the name Estella remained relatively low and fluctuated between approximately 50 and 400 births per year.
However, starting from the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Estella. In 1973, there were 142 births with the name Estella, which marked the beginning of an upward trend that continued throughout the latter part of the century.
By the turn of the millennium, the popularity of the name Estella had grown significantly. In 2002, there were 98 births with the name Estella, and this number continued to rise in subsequent years. The highest recorded number of births with the name Estella in the United States was in 2022, with a total of 632 births.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 41,723 births with the name Estella in the United States. This demonstrates that while Estella may not have always been one of the most popular names in America, it has certainly gained traction over time and continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters today.