Names related to Stella: Estela, Estelle

Stella

Pronunciation: STEH-lə (key)

Origin of the name Stella:

A borrowing from the Latin, Stella is derived directly from stella (star). There is evidence that the name was used in England as far back as 1374, but it wasn't until the 16th century when Sir Philip Sidney used the name in his sonnets "Astrophel to Stella," that the name became commonly known. Stella is also used as a short form of Estelle.

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Popular usage: English

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Stell, Stells

Meanings and history of the name Stella: | Edit

The name Stella derives from the Latin title of the Virgin Mary, "stella maris" meaning "star of the sea." The Spanish Estella, and thus the English and French Estelle, also derives from the Latin "stella" meaning "star."

This name was created by the 16th-century poet Sir Philip Sidney for the subject of his collection of sonnets 'Astrophel and Stella'. It was not commonly used as a given name until the 19th century.

Famous real-life people named Stella: | Edit

Stella McCartney, fashion designer and daughter of musician, Paul McCartney
Stella Tennant, Scottish supermodel
Stella Stevens, film director, actress, producer and nude model
Stella Dorothea Gibbons, novelist, journalist, short-story writer and poet
Stella Obasanjo, First Lady of The Federal Republic of Nigeria
Stella Matthews, daughter of musician, Dave Matthews
Stella McDermott, daughter of 90210's Tori Spelling
Stella Ritter, daughter of John Ritter

Stella in song, story & screen: | Edit

Stella Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1947). There is an iconic line in which Stanley screams, "Stella!"

Titular character of the Elvis Costello song "Stella Hurt," based off of 30s jazz and blues singer Teddy Grace, real name Stella

"Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down" is a song by Interpol.
"Stella Blue" is a song by the famous band The Grateful Dead.

Stella is an ex-girlfriend (played by Sarah Chalke) of Ted on the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."

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