Origin and Meaning of Stella
Meaning & Origin
Star
Origin: Latin - From the Latin word 'stella', which translates directly to 'star'.
Interesting Facts
- Stella has been used as a given name since the 16th century and has roots in the medieval Latin tradition.
- The name is popular in various cultures and has equivalents across different languages, such as 'Estella' (Spanish) and 'Stella' (Italian).
- Notable bearers include the American actress Stella Adler, 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson's poem 'Stella', and the character Stella from Tennessee Williams' play 'A Streetcar Named Desire'.
- Stella saw a significant rise in popularity in the United States during the late 19th century and has continued to be a favored name, peaking again in the 21st century.
- Related names and variations include Estella, Stella-Marie, and Stellina.