It's actually kind of wild how much people love the name Stella. Honestly, it’s one of those rare names that feels both like a dusty vintage postcard and a high-fashion runway at the same time. But here is the thing: because it’s so popular, you see it everywhere. It's in the top 50 in the US, it's all over Australia, and it's a massive hit in Switzerland too.
If you're looking for names similar to Stella, you've probably realized that you aren't just looking for a "star" meaning. You're looking for that specific "shining-but-grounded" energy. It’s a vibe.
The Celestial Sisters: More Than Just a Star
Stella literally means "star" in Latin. Simple. If that’s the part you love, you've got some heavy hitters to consider that aren't quite as "mainstream" yet.
Take Lyra, for instance. It's a small constellation, but the name has this musical, airy quality that Stella fans usually adore. Then there's Astra. It's Greek. It’s bold. It feels like Stella's slightly more adventurous cousin who travels the world and wears leather jackets. If you want to go deep into the "old-world" star names, Esther is the one. People used to think of it as a "grandma name," but in 2026, it is officially back. It means "morning star" in Persian, and it has that same "st-" sound that makes Stella so snappy.
- Seren: This is Welsh for star. It's short, punchy, and feels very modern.
- Danica: A Slavic name meaning "morning star." It’s got a bit more "kick" to it.
- Nova: This refers to a star that suddenly increases in brightness. It's been soaring up the charts lately because it sounds fresh.
Sounds Like Stella (But Isn't)
Sometimes you just like the way the name feels in your mouth. That double-L sound is addictive.
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Della is probably the closest relative here. It’s got that vintage, "Sunday afternoon in the garden" feel. It’s actually a Germanic name meaning "noble," but phonetically, it’s Stella’s twin. Then you have Willa. It’s softer. It doesn’t have the "st-" bite, but it carries the same weight.
You've also got Estella and Estelle. They are basically the long-form versions of Stella. Estella feels a bit more "Great Expectations" (literally, thanks Dickens), while Estelle feels very mid-century French chic.
The "Ella" Influence
Let’s be real. Part of why Stella works is the "ella" ending. If you’re over the name Stella itself, you might find what you need in these:
- Antonella: It’s Italian. It’s long. It’s fancy.
- Luella: This one is making a huge comeback in boutique baby name circles.
- Marcella: Stronger, more Roman, but still carries that melodic ending.
The Vintage Revival: Names with the Same Soul
Names similar to Stella often share a "timeline." Stella was huge in the early 1900s, disappeared for decades, and then exploded again in the 2000s. If you like that trajectory, you should look at Clara.
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Clara means "bright" or "clear." It’s Latin, just like Stella. It feels sophisticated but not snobby. Another one is Flora. It’s botanical instead of celestial, but it has that same two-syllable, ends-in-A structure that makes it feel balanced.
"Names like Stella, Violet, and Hazel are part of a 'hundred-year rule' where names popular with our great-grandparents suddenly feel brand new again," says name expert Abby Sandel of Appellation Mountain.
If you want something a bit more "hidden gem," look at Vera. It means "truth" or "faith." It’s short. It’s powerful. It doesn’t try too hard.
Why Meaning Matters More Than You Think
When people search for names similar to Stella, they are often subconsciously looking for "light." Names that feel like they illuminate a room.
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Celine (or Selene) is a great example. It means "moon goddess." If Stella is the star, Celine is the moon. They are perfect for siblings. Or consider Lucia. It comes from the Latin word for light (lux). It’s incredibly popular in Italy and Sweden, much like Stella, and it feels very sunny.
Then there is Aurora. It’s the Roman goddess of sunrise. It’s a bit more "Disney" for some people, but you can’t deny it has that same magical, sky-high energy.
What to Avoid If You Want the Stella Vibe
You’ve got to be careful with "trendy" variations. While Starla or Stellar might seem like logical jumps, they often lose the "classy vintage" feel that makes Stella work. They start to feel a bit more like 1980s soap opera characters.
Stick to names with history. Names that have survived for centuries.
Actionable Next Steps for Choosing
If you are still torn, try these three things:
- The Shout Test: Go to your back door and yell the name. Seriously. If "Estella!" feels too long to yell ten times a day, "Stella" or "Della" might be better.
- Check the Initials: If your last name starts with an 'S', maybe avoid names like Selah or Serena unless you love alliteration.
- Pair with the Middle Name: Stella is a "heavy" first name, so it usually pairs well with short, one-syllable middle names like Rose, Grace, or Claire. If you pick a longer alternative like Antonella, you might want a very simple middle name to balance it out.
Whatever you choose, remember that names like Stella are popular for a reason—they are timeless. But finding a "hidden" version like Astra or Celia can give your kid that same sparkle without them being "Stella Number 4" in their kindergarten class.