Nesta is a unique and distinctive given name of Welsh origin, meaning "star." It has been primarily used as a masculine name but can also be used for females due to its unisex nature. Nesta was traditionally a patronymic surname in Wales before becoming a given name in the 20th century. Some notable individuals named Nesta include Nesta Cooper, a Canadian actress known for her role in "The Handmaid's Tale," and Nesta Rubbra, an English composer and violinist active in the early to mid-20th century. The name Nesta is often associated with creativity, individuality, and uniqueness due to its unconventional sound and meaning.
The name Nesta experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout the century, with peaks in the late 1930s and early 2010s.