Estela is a beautiful and unique female given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Latin word 'stella', which means 'star'. This name has been popular in Spain for centuries, with its usage extending to other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico and South America.
The name Estela was first used during the Middle Ages in Spain. It gained prominence due to its association with a popular Spanish ballad called "Romancero del Conde Sol" (Ballads of the Sun Count). In this tale, Estela is the beautiful and intelligent wife of Count Sol, who demonstrates exceptional courage and wisdom throughout the story.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Estela. One such figure is Estela López de Novoa, a Spanish noblewoman who lived in the 15th century. She was known for her intelligence, wit, and remarkable beauty, which earned her the nickname "La Bella Estela" (The Beautiful Estela).
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Estela remains relatively uncommon outside of Spanish-speaking countries. However, it continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the name Estela due to its connection with Spanish culture and tradition. It is often chosen by families who wish to honor their Hispanic heritage or simply appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this timeless name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Estela has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From 1903 to 1945, there were fewer than 10 births per year for each of those years, except for 1917 with 37 births and 1925 with 67 births. However, starting from 1948, the number of births began to steadily increase, reaching a peak in 2022 with 134 births.
The year with the most births named Estela was 2022, with a total of 134 newborn girls given this name. This indicates that Estela has become more popular in recent years compared to previous decades.
In terms of trends over time, there is no clear pattern or cyclical nature to the popularity of the name Estela. However, it appears that since the late 20th century, the name has gained traction and continues to be chosen for newborn girls at an increasing rate.
Overall, while the name Estela may not have been extremely popular in earlier decades, its popularity has grown significantly over time, reaching a peak in recent years.