Celeste Overview
- Meaning: “Celestial” or “Heavenly”
- Gender: Unisex but typically feminine.
- Origin: The name is of Latin origin.
- Pronunciation: SUH-lest.
- Popularity: Celeste had decreased in popularity ranking at 204 in 2004.
- Nicknames: Cel, Celly, Les, Lettie, Titi.
- Variations: Calista, Celestielle, Celestina, Celia, Celina/Selena, Celine/Selene.
- Namesakes: Celeste Holm (Actress), Celeste DeBlassis (Author), Celeste Boureille (Soccer player).
What Does Celeste Mean?
The name Celeste means “heavenly.” This name is literally out of this world! Whether you’re thinking of spiritual ascension or gazing at the galaxy, Celeste evokes sparkling beauty and grandeur themes.
What Is the Origin of the Name Celeste?
The name Celeste comes from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “heavenly.” It’s the same root word that gives us the word “celestial” (1).
How Popular Is the Name Celeste?
Celeste has fallen into the category of “fairly popular” or “popular” name in the United States since the 1880s. It’s enjoyed peaks during the early 20th century, the 1950’s and the late 1990s/early 2000s. What influenced the frequency of the name Celeste?
While you can find the name Celeste in many different cultures outside of America, it was most often associated with France and Spain. The first wave of popularity of the name Celeste can be in part attributed to an interest in “exotic” sounding names. The 1910s sat smack in between the Gay 90s and the Roaring 20s.
People felt adventurous and wanted to explore outside the typical Protestant naming conventions. They looked to the romantic cultures of France and Spain for inspiration.
Similarly, in the 1950s, when French and Latino music and movie stars were both making a strong comeback, Americans embraced Celeste once again. The American actress Celeste Holm, who starred in several hit films in the 1940s and 1950s, could also have contributed to the rise of the name.
The 1990s and early 2000s brought a trend toward classic names. Parents wanted to give their children a connection to what they saw as simpler times and to their family history. Celeste was likely one of these names.
In 2004, this desire to connect with the past helped Celeste rank the 204th most popular name in the nation, its highest ranking to date (2).
How Do I Pronounce Celeste?
In English-speaking countries, the name Celeste is pronounced “SUH-lest.” It has different pronunciations in other languages. For example, in France, where the name is derived, it is pronounced like “Suh-les-tee.”
Is Celeste a Boy or Girl Name?
Celeste is a unisex name used for both males and females in French, Italian, and Spanish-speaking countries. However, in the United States, it is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.
Variations of Celeste
Some potential variations of the name Celeste include:
- Calista (Latin, Greek)
- Celestielle (Latin)
- Celestina (Italian)
- Celia (Latin, Italian)
- Celina/Selena (Greek)
- Celine/Selene (Greek)
Nicknames for Celeste
Nicknames for Celeste could include:
- Cel
- Celly
- Lessie
- Letty
- Titi
Similar Names to Celeste
Similar names don’t just have to sound like the name, as they can also have a similar meaning or vibe. Names similar to Celeste could include:
- Aurora
- Cecilia/Cecille
- Clementine
- Colette
- Estelle
- Luna
Middle Names for Celeste
Celeste is often used as a middle name rather than a first name because it flows well between two other names. But, if you want to use it as a first name, you still have several attractive options for middle names, such as:
- Catherine
- Diane
- Elise
- Elizabeth
- Eugenia/Eugenie
- Josephine
- Louise
- Marie
- Yvette
Sibling Names for Celeste
“Matching” sibling names have become a widespread practice. While you can name your children whatever strikes your fancy, it can be nice to give them names connected by a culture, a theme, or simply by how the names sound when said in a row. If you’re looking for some suggestions for siblings’ names that go with the name Celeste, try:
For a brother:
- August
- Julien
- Noel
- Remy
- Sebastien/Sebastian
For a sister:
- Andromeda
- Angelique/Angelica
- Caroline
- Estelle
- Giselle
- Julie/Juilette
- Lorraine
- Luna
- Lunette
- Margot
- Simone
Famous People Named Celeste
While it isn’t an incredibly common name, there are several famous people named Celeste.
- Celeste Buckingham: Pop singer.
- Celeste Holm: American actress.
- Celeste Thorson: Actress/Model.
- Celeste DeBlassis: Author.
- Celeste Boureille: Soccer player.
- Celeste Baranski: Electrical engineer.
Celeste in Popular Culture
You can also find several examples of the name Celeste within popular culture.
- Celeste Wright: Character from the show “Big Little Lies.”
- Celeste: The wife of Babar in the children’s book series “Babar the Elephant.”
- Celeste Montgomery: Character from the film “Vox Lux.”
Celeste FAQs
Here are some common questions about the name Celeste.
What Is Another Name for Celeste?
Some alternatives have a similar sound or meaning as Celeste. Celestia and Celestina are popular alternatives. They add syllables to the name and give it a regal feel.
Parents may choose these more extended versions of Celeste if they feel that a two-syllable name is too short.
Is Celeste a Rare Name?
Per the latest data available in this writing, Celeste ranks 374th in baby names in the U.S. It is not a rare name; it’s a popular name but not extremely common. If you name your child Celeste, there are unlikely many other Celestes in her class.
What Is the Name Celeste Short for?
Celeste is usually not short for any other name; it is typically the person’s full name.
Is Celeste a Pretty Name?
Feelings about names are very personal and subjective, so it’s impossible to say that any name will sound universally pretty. However, in our part of the world, the name Celeste is often associated with classic beauty, refinement, and supernatural gifts. Many people would indeed consider it a pretty name based on those things!
Does Celeste Mean Moon?
Celeste means “heavenly.” Some people consider this the spiritual state of heaven in the afterlife, while others see it as a reference to the stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies. While Celeste doesn’t specifically mean “moon,” it does refer to the heavens where the moon lives.
If you want a name that directly means moon, you have a few options, including Luna, Mona, Amaris, etc.
