At its core, Stella is a Latin name meaning “star.” It is simple, elegant, and universally recognized.
Verdict: Stella is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “vintage revival” charm of names like Hazel or Ruby but carries a timeless, international appeal that ensures it will never feel dated. It is the perfect pick for parents seeking a name that is feminine but fiercely independent.
Stella Overview
- Meaning: The name Stella means “star.”
- Gender: Stella is a predominantly female name and has been throughout history.
- Origin: Stella has its roots in Latin. It also derives from the Dutch word “Ster,” which the language borrowed from the original Latin.
- Pronunciation: The name Stella is typically pronounced as “STEL-luh” or “STEL-lah.”
- Popularity: Stella is an extremely popular name in North America. In the United States, it ranked 41 for girls born in 2021.
- Nicknames: Elle, Ellie, Star, Starling, Stel.
- Variations: Estee, Estella, Estelle, Estrella, Starla, Stele, Stelle, Wynstelle.
- Namesakes: Stella Bennett, singer/songwriter, Stella McCartney, fashion designer, Stella Parton, American country singer/songwriter, Stella Stevens, American Actress,
What Does Stella Mean?
Stella is a direct and elegant Latinate name that literally means “star” (1). While it shares a synonym with “astrum” or “astra”, another popular Latin name root found in words like “astrology”, Stella was the word used in colloquial Latin. It was the term used in everyday speech by navigators looking to the heavens for guidance, giving the name a sense of utility and guidance rather than just poetic distance.
In addition to Latin, Stella also comes from the Dutch word “ster” (2). The Dutch borrowed the word from Latin, associating it with things arranged in a stellate, or star-like, pattern. Culturally, the name represents light in the darkness, guidance, and supreme beauty.
Where Does the Name Stella Come From?
While the word itself is ancient Latin, Stella was not commonly used as a stand-alone given name in ancient Rome. Its life as a proper name is actually a literary invention.
It is widely accepted that Stella began its rise as a given name around 1580, when the poet Sir Philip Sidney penned the famous sonnet sequence “Astrophel and Stella” (3). In this work, he coined the name for his muse.
The name combination is a clever bit of word-painting: Astrophel means “Star Lover,” and Stella means “Star.” Throughout the poem, his unrequited love for Stella makes them literature’s ultimate star-crossed lovers. From the Elizabethan era onward, the name slowly seeped into the public consciousness, eventually becoming a staple of the 19th and 20th centuries.
How Popular is the Name Stella?
Stella is a powerhouse in the baby name world, currently defining the “vintage revival” trend. Historically, Stella was a top-tier name in the late 1800s and early 1900s, peaking around 1885. As is common with fashion cycles, it slowly faded mid-century, hitting its lowest point in the 1980s when it was viewed as a “grandma name.”
However, the script has flipped entirely. Starting in the early 2000s, Stella began a meteoric rise. In 2021, Stella ranked number 41 for girls born in the United States (4).
It is no longer an up-and-comer; it is an established favorite. It sits comfortably alongside other “old lady chic” names like Evelyn and Charlotte. While it has cooled slightly from its absolute peak, it remains a dominant choice for parents in 2025, signaling that it has transitioned from a trend to a modern classic.
How Do I Pronounce Stella?
The beauty of this name lies in its phonetic simplicity. It is pronounced “STEL-luh.” The stress falls firmly on the first syllable, with a short, crisp “e” sound, followed by a soft “uh” sound.
In some European dialects or highly enunciated speech, you may hear “STEL-lah,” where the final “a” is more open. In British English, the ending may soften further, sometimes sounding like “STEL-er” due to the non-rhotic accent, but the standard American pronunciation is consistent.
Is Stella a Boy or Girl Name?
Stella is traditionally and strictly a female name. Because Sir Philip Sidney explicitly coined it for a female muse, and because Latin first-declension nouns ending in “-a” are feminine, it has maintained this gender identity for over 400 years.
While many nature names (like River or Sky) are becoming unisex, Stella’s strong cultural ties to femininity, from “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea, a title for the Virgin Mary) to modern pop culture figures, keep it firmly in the girls’ category.
Variations of Stella
If you love the meaning of the name but want to honor a specific heritage, there are several international variations to consider:
- Estee: A sophisticated French and Latin variation, often associated with luxury.
- Estella: A romantic Spanish version, famously used by Charles Dickens in Great Expectations.
- Estelle: The classic French form, meaning “star.”
- Estrella: The Spanish word for “star,” offering a melodious, rhythmic alternative.
- Starla: An English suffix variation that feels more modern and American.
- Stele: A rare, shortened variation found in English and Latin contexts.
- Stelle: A sleek, one-syllable variation.
- Wynstelle: A unique Welsh/Anglo-Saxon combination.
Nicknames for Stella
Stella is short and sweet, but parents often love a good nickname. Here are common diminutives, plus a few creative options:
- Bella
- Ella
- Elle
- Ellie
- Essie: A vintage-style nickname derived from the “S” sound.
- Stell: A punchy, tomboyish option.
- Star: A literal nickname that embraces the meaning.
- Starlight: A whimsical, affectionate pet name.
- Ziggy: A playful nod to David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust).
Names Similar to Stella
If Stella is on your shortlist but hasn’t quite won you over, consider these names that share the same vintage sparkle or celestial meaning:
- Luna: Like Stella, this is a top-tier celestial name meaning “moon.”
- Celeste: A softer, French alternative meaning “heavenly.”
- Nova: A modern, high-energy name meaning “new” or referring to a bright star.
- Hazel: Shares Stella’s “vintage revival” charm and popularity.
- Gemma: Italian for “gem,” it shares the double-consonant sound and precious meaning.
- Emma: A classic that shares the “double m/l” cadence.
- Astra: A more literal, sci-fi leaning star name.
- Scarlett: Shares the spirited, slightly dramatic vibe of Stella.
- Clara: Another “Old Hollywood” favorite meaning “bright.”
- Ruby: Short, spunky, and vintage.
Middle Names for Stella
Stella is a two-syllable trochee (stressed-unstressed), which makes it incredibly versatile. It pairs best with names that anchor it.
Classic & Elegant
Nature-Inspired & Boho
Modern & Punchy
Sibling Names for Stella
Building a sibling set requires matching the “era” and the “weight” of the name. Stella needs siblings with names that feel equally established and timeless.
For a Brother
- Sebastian: A sophisticated classic that balances the strength of Stella.
- Finn: Short, energetic, and playful.
- Maxwell: A vintage name that has become cool again, just like Stella.
- Leo: A celestial match (the Lion constellation) that isn’t too matchy-matchy.
- Joaquin: A strong, rhythmic option.
- Orion: For parents who want to lean fully into the astronomy theme.
- Arthur: Shares the vintage, literary pedigree.
For a Sister
- Celeste: The perfect celestial sister name.
- Chloe: Popular, Greek origin, and shares the two-syllable flow.
- Violet: Another flower/nature name that was huge in the 1920s.
- Sidney: A clever nod to Philip Sidney, the poet who invented the name Stella.
- Ivy: Short, vintage, and botanical.
- Alice: The ultimate classic literary name.
Famous People Named Stella
This name has graced stages, screens, and stadiums. Notable namesakes include:
- Stella McCartney: The legendary British fashion designer and daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney.
- Stella Adler: The most famous acting teacher in American history, who trained Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro.
- Stella Stevens: A Golden Globe-winning American actress known for The Nutty Professor.
- Stella Parton: Country singer, songwriter, and sister of Dolly Parton.
- Stella Zakharova: An Olympic gold medalist gymnast for the former Soviet Union.
- Stella Bennett (Benee): New Zealand singer famed for her viral hit “Supalonely.”
Stella in Pop Culture
The name Stella has a dramatic flair that writers love. It appears frequently in our favorite stories:
- Stella Kowalski: The feisty, grounded center of Tennessee Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire, famously screamed by Marlon Brando.
- Stellaluna: The adorable fruit bat protagonist in Janell Cannon’s beloved children’s book.
- Stella Bonasera: The sharp, intelligent detective in CSI: NY.
- Stella Zinman: Ted Mosby’s serious girlfriend (the dermatologist) in How I Met Your Mother.
- Stella Zhau: The friendly schoolmate in the animated hit The Loud House.
- Stella: The ambitious fairy of the Shining Sun in Winx Club.
FAQs About the Name Stella
Does Stella Love Astrophel?
Throughout Philip Sidney’s sonnet series, Stella is generally shown as virtuous and somewhat indifferent to the doomed Astrophel. While he pines for her with intense passion, she maintains her distance, making their relationship the archetype of unrequited courtly love.
Is Stella a Classic Name?
Yes, Stella is considered a classic. While it is trendy right now, it has over a century of history in the US Top 100. It surged to prominence in the late 19th Century, dipped, and has returned, proving it is a timeless name that can crisscross generations and backgrounds.
What Names Besides Stella Mean “Star?”
If you love the meaning but want something different, you have many options. In addition to Stella, names that mean star include Astra, Aster (flower star), Estelle, Estella, Hoshi (Japanese), and Tara (Sanskrit).
Is Stella a Biblical Name?
No, Stella does not appear in the Bible as a given name. However, it has religious significance in Catholicism through the title “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea), an ancient title for the Virgin Mary used to describe her role as a guiding light and protector of seafarers.
Why Is the Name Stella Associated With “Old Ladies”?
Stella is often called an “old lady name” because its first peak of massive popularity was between 1880 and 1920. This means that for many people born in the 70s and 80s, Stella was a name associated with their grandmothers or great-aunts. Today, it has shaken off the “dusty” image and is viewed as “vintage chic.”
Is Stella Too Popular to Use in 2025?
While Stella is in the Top 50, it is not as ubiquitous as names like Olivia or Emma. It is a common name, meaning your child might have one other Stella in their grade, but it is unlikely to be overwhelmingly repetitive. If you love the name, its popularity should be seen as a sign of its timeless appeal rather than a deterrent.
Can Stella Be a Nickname for Longer Names?
Yes! While Stella is usually a standalone name, it can work beautifully as a nickname for Estella, Estelle, Stellaluna, or even Christella. Using a longer formal name gives your child options as they grow older.
What Is the Male Version of Stella?
There is no direct male translation of Stella that is commonly used. However, the name Stellan (popularized by actor Stellan Skarsgård) is an excellent masculine alternative. While linguistically distinct (Stellan is likely Swedish or German), it shares the phonetic sound and “star” association in the minds of many parents.
