Estella is a beautiful and timeless name that has captured the hearts of many parents around the world. The name is of Latin origin and means “star”. It is a name that has been around for centuries, and its popularity has remained steady over the years.
Estella is remembered as the ward of Miss Haversham in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. The character is known for her beauty, intelligence, and independence. The name has a literary connection that many parents find appealing. It’s a name that is both classic and unique, making it a great choice for parents looking for a name that stands out. If you’re considering the name Estella for your baby girl, you’ll be joining a long line of parents who have chosen this name for its beauty and meaning.
Etymology
The name Estella has a Latin origin, derived from the Latin word “stella,” which means “star.” This meaning is reflected in the popularity of the name, as it is often associated with a shining and bright personality.
The name Estella has been used since the 19th century and became popularized by Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations,” in which the character Estella Havisham is one of the main characters. The novel’s popularity helped to spread the name’s usage, and it has since become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The Latin origin of the name Estella reflects the meaning of “star,” which is often associated with brightness, guidance, and inspiration. This meaning is reflected in the personality of those who bear the name, as they are often seen as shining examples of kindness, intelligence, and creativity.
Overall, the name Estella is a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a name that reflects their child’s bright and shining personality.
Popularity of the Name Estella
Estella is a beautiful Latin name that has been around for a long time. It has been a popular name for girls in the past, but its popularity has declined in recent years. In this section, we will discuss the popularity of the name Estella over the years and compare it with similar names.
Popularity Over the Years
According to data from the Social Security Administration, Estella was a popular name for girls in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It ranked as high as #110 in the 1880s. However, its popularity has declined since then. In 2020, Estella was the 678th most popular name for girls in the United States.
Here is a table showing the popularity of the name Estella over the past few decades:
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 678 |
| 2019 | 658 |
| 2018 | 601 |
| 2017 | 625 |
| 2016 | 605 |
Comparison with Similar Names
If you like the name Estella, you might also like these similar names:
- Estelle
- Stella
- Isabella
- Gabriella
- Arabella
These names have a similar sound and feel to Estella, and they are also popular names for girls. Here is a table showing the popularity of these names in 2020:
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Estelle | 1,176 |
| Stella | 31 |
| Isabella | 3 |
| Gabriella | 60 |
| Arabella | 184 |
As you can see, Estella is not as popular as some of these other names, but it is still a beautiful and unique choice for a baby girl.
Literary References
Estella in ‘Great Expectations’
Estella Havisham is a character in Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations” (1860). She is the adopted daughter of Miss Havisham, a wealthy spinster who has raised her to be cold and unfeeling towards men. Estella is beautiful and intelligent, but she is also cruel and manipulative, using her charm to break the hearts of the men who fall in love with her, including the novel’s protagonist, Pip.
Estella’s character is complex and multi-dimensional, and she has been the subject of much analysis and interpretation by literary critics. Some have seen her as a victim of Miss Havisham’s manipulation, while others have argued that she is a strong and independent woman who refuses to be controlled by men.
Estella’s Influence on Name Popularity
The character of Estella has had a significant impact on the popularity of the name. According to Nameberry, Estella was a popular name in the 1880s, when “Great Expectations” was first published. However, the name has since fallen out of favor and is now relatively uncommon.
Despite this, Estella remains a popular choice for parents who are looking for a unique and elegant name for their daughter. The name is particularly popular in the United States, where it is currently ranked #964 in popularity.
The influence of “Great Expectations” on literature and popular culture cannot be overstated. The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, and its characters and themes continue to resonate with readers today. Dickens’ portrayal of Estella as a complex and conflicted character has helped to cement her place in literary history, and her name is likely to remain a popular choice for years to come.
Variations of the Name Estella
The name Estella is a Latin name that means “star.” It is a beautiful name that has been used for centuries. There are several variations of the name Estella, including Stella, Estelle, Estela, and Estrella.
Stella
Stella is a Latin name that means “star.” It is a beautiful name that has been used for centuries. Stella is a popular name in Italy, where it is the 13th most popular name for girls. It is also a popular name in the United States, where it is the 66th most popular name for girls.
Estelle
Estelle is a French name that means “star.” It is a beautiful name that has been used for centuries. Estelle is a popular name in France, where it is the 53rd most popular name for girls. It is also a popular name in the United States, where it is the 838th most popular name for girls.
Estela
Estela is a Spanish name that means “star.” It is a beautiful name that has been used for centuries. Estela is a popular name in Spain, where it is the 121st most popular name for girls. It is also a popular name in the United States, where it is the 4,006th most popular name for girls.
Estrella
Estrella is a Spanish name that means “star.” It is a beautiful name that has been used for centuries. Estrella is a popular name in Spain, where it is the 141st most popular name for girls. It is also a popular name in the United States, where it is the 2,291st most popular name for girls.
In conclusion, Estella is a beautiful name with several variations, including Stella, Estelle, Estela, and Estrella. Each variation has its own unique meaning and history. Whether you choose Estella or one of its variations, it is a name that is sure to be loved and cherished for generations to come.
Estella in Different Languages and Cultures
Estella is a name that has been used in various languages and cultures around the world. Let’s take a look at how the name is used in Spanish and English-speaking countries.
Estella in Spanish
In Spanish, Estella is a feminine given name derived from the Latin word “stella,” which means “star.” The name is popular in Spain and Latin America and is often used as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, who is sometimes referred to as “Estrella de la Mar” (Star of the Sea).
Estella in English-Speaking Countries
Estella is also a popular name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. The name was first introduced to English-speaking audiences through Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations,” in which the character Estella is the ward of Miss Havisham. The name has since become associated with beauty, elegance, and sophistication.
In the United States, the name Estella was most popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s but has since declined in popularity. However, the name has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in Hispanic communities.
Overall, Estella is a name with a rich history and cultural significance in both Spanish and English-speaking countries.
Symbolism and Meanings Associated with the Name Estella
The name Estella has a rich history and is associated with various symbols and meanings. Here are some of the most common ones:
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Star: Estella comes from the Latin word “stella,” which means “star.” This association with stars represents divinity, enlightenment, and hope. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the goddess Isis was sometimes depicted wearing a headdress adorned with stars, representing her as the “Queen of the Stars.” The name Estella, therefore, carries a sense of brightness and radiance.
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Bright: The name Estella also has connotations of brightness. It is a name that is often given to girls who are expected to shine in life. It is a name that represents the potential for a bright future.
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Space: The name Estella is also associated with the vastness of space. It is a name that represents the infinite possibilities of life. It is a name that suggests that anything is possible if one has the courage to reach for the stars.
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Love: The name Estella is also associated with love. It is a name that suggests a deep and abiding affection. It is a name that represents the love that parents feel for their children.
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Life: Finally, the name Estella is associated with the gift of life. It is a name that represents the miracle of birth and the joy of new beginnings. It is a name that suggests that life is precious and should be cherished.
In conclusion, the name Estella has many different meanings and associations. It is a name that represents brightness, radiance, and the infinite possibilities of life. It is a name that suggests love and the gift of life.
Famous People Named Estella
Estella is a beautiful name that has been given to many notable people throughout history. Here are some of the famous people named Estella:
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Estella Warren: Estella Warren is a Canadian actress, fashion model, and former synchronized swimmer. She is best known for her roles in the films “Planet of the Apes” and “Driven.”
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Estella Gardinier: Estella Gardinier is a reality TV personality who appeared on the second season of the show “Joe Millionaire.” She was one of the contestants vying for the affections of Evan Marriott, who was posing as a millionaire.
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Estella Marie Thompson (a.k.a. Divine Brown): Estella Marie Thompson is a former prostitute and actress who gained notoriety in 1995 when she was caught in a car with actor Hugh Grant. The incident led to Grant’s arrest and a media frenzy.
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Estella Boersma: Estella Boersma is a Dutch model who has walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Chanel, Dior, and Prada.
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Estella Taylor: Estella Taylor was an American actress who appeared in films during the silent era. She was married to actor Jack Dempsey.
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Estella Warren-Johnson: Estella Warren-Johnson is a retired American synchronized swimmer who won three gold medals at the 1995 Pan American Games and a silver medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
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Estella Daniels: Estella Daniels was an Australian actress who appeared in films during the 1930s and 1940s. She was also a stage actress and singer.
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Estella Warren-Knepper: Estella Warren-Knepper is an American singer-songwriter and actress who is best known for her role as Katarina Witt in the film “Ice Princess.”
As you can see, there have been many talented and accomplished people throughout history who have been given the name Estella.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Estella is a beautiful Latin name that means “star”. It has a rich history and is remembered as the ward of Miss Haversham in Dickens’s Great Expectations. Estella is a female name and is not considered unisex.
According to the search results, Estella is not a very popular name in the United States. It currently sits near the bottom of the US Top 1000, along with near-twin Estelle. However, popularity should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a name for your newborn.
Estella has a classic and timeless feel to it and can be a great choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby girl. It is also a great name for parents who want to honor their family’s Latin heritage.
In some states, such as California and Texas, Estella is a relatively popular name for newborn girls. However, it is not as commonly used in other states.
Overall, Estella is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history and a timeless feel. It is a great choice for parents who want a unique and meaningful name for their baby girl.