Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Estella

Estella is the Latinate form of Estelle, an Old French female name based on the Latin word “stella” or “star”. Among English speakers, the name’s sudden usage in the 19th century was likely inspired by Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations” (1861) which features a central character named Estella (see literary references below).

All About the Baby Name – Estella

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ESTELLA

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ESTELLA

Estella was most popular during the late 19th century in the United States. The name almost achieved Top 100 status in the 1880s, but never quite got higher than #106 on the charts. Still, in the early part of the 20th century, Estella enjoyed relatively respectful positioning on America’s Top 1000 list, but eventually, and slowly, she would fall from favor. It appeared that she might be gone forever in 1975 when she fell off the American radar, but recently she’s reappeared circa 2010 (although she remains at the bottom of the Top 1000). This celestial name was given to about 300 baby girls in 2012. Estella’s reemergence on our list likely has to do with the rising popularity (and revival) of Stella – the actual Latin word for “star”. The Spanish Estrella also does moderately well, and the French Estelle recently made a small comeback herself.

Quick Facts

ON ESTELLA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

888

PRONUNCIATION:

es-TEL-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Star

Characteristics

OF ESTELLA

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Estella

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ESTELLA

Estella is the adopted daughter of Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens’ 1861 novel, Great Expectations. Thwarted in love in her own youth, Miss Havisham raises Estella to be haughty and icy, to great effect. The beautiful Estella is adored by Pip; her wealth and grace represent a world eons away from his own humble origins. For her part, cold-hearted as she is, Estella seems to recognize a superiority of character in Pip, and treats him far better than any of her other admirers, and even warns him of her emotional bleakness. Estella marries a brutish, abusive man for his money, but never fails to be idolized and pursued by Pip. At novel’s end, after the death of Estella’s husband, there is hope – faint though it is – that Estella will consent to some kind of future with Pip.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ESTELLA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Estella


Popular Songs

ON ESTELLA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Estella


Famous People

NAMED ESTELLA

Estella Warren (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ESTELLA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Estella

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ESTELLA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Estella