Stela

Stela is a feminine name with roots in Latin and Slavic languages, being a variant of Stella, which means 'star.' In countries like Romania, Croatia, and Macedonia, Stela is often preferred over Stella. The single 'l' spelling gives the name a slightly different pronunciation and visual appeal while maintaining its celestial meaning. Stela has moderate popularity in Eastern European countries but remains less common in English-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of brightness, guidance, and aspiration—qualities associated with stars across cultures. Its brevity and soft ending sound make it both distinctive and accessible. Parents might choose Stela for its international flair, meaningful symbolism, and subtle variation on the more familiar Stella.

Pronounced STEL-uh.

As of October 2026, Stela ranked #11808 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #7984 in 2021.