Last Name Stella

The surname "Stella" has multiple possible origins, depending on the region and language. 1. Italian Origin: In Italy, "Stella" is derived from the Latin word "stella," meaning "star." It is therefore a surname given to families associated with astronomy or perhaps used as a nickname for someone who had a radiant personality. 2. Greek Origin: "Stella" can also have Greek origins, derived from the Greek word "stēlē," meaning "pillar" or "support." This surname might have been given to families involved in construction or carpentry-related professions. 3. Jewish Origin: In some cases, "Stella" can be a Jewish surname. It could be a variant of the Jewish surname "Stoller," derived from the Yiddish word for "Stoll" (chairman of a Jewish council). It is important to note that surnames can often have various meanings and origins due to migration, regional variations, or name adaptations over time. Therefore, the specific origin of the surname "Stella" may vary for different individuals.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stella

The meaning and origin of the last name Stella

The surname Stella derives from the Italian word "stella," meaning "star." It is a topographic or occupational surname given to someone who lived or worked at a place called Stella or was associated with the star symbol in some way. The name Stella was often given to houses or inns that used the star as a sign or represented the concept of brightness and guidance. The surname can also have an occupational connotation, referring to someone who worked as a navigator or an astrologer.

The origin of the surname Stella can be traced back to Italy, where it was commonly found. It is a relatively common surname in the country, with variations like Estella also existing. As Italians migrated to different parts of the world, the surname spread to various countries, leading to its presence in different cultures and genealogical records. Today, individuals with the surname Stella can be found worldwide, particularly in countries with significant Italian diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stella

The surname Stella has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, but it is most frequently found in Italy. As a common Italian surname, the majority of individuals with the last name Stella can be found in regions throughout Italy, such as Lombardy, Veneto, Sicily, and Campania. Additionally, significant concentrations of Stellas can also be found in countries with historical ties to Italy, particularly in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Due to Italian immigration waves in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Stellas have established themselves in these countries. Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and France, also have notable populations with the surname Stella. However, it is important to note that with increased globalization and mobility, individuals with the last name Stella can now be found in various parts of the world, contributing to the diverse geographical distribution of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stella

The last name Stella may have a few variations and spellings depending on different cultures and regions. Some variations of the name Stella include Estella, Stelle, Estelle, Stelo, Estello, Stela, and Estela. These variations might be influenced by the pronunciation in different languages or by individuals adopting different spellings over time. For instance, Estella and Estelle are commonly used variations of the name, especially in French and Spanish speaking countries, while Stela and Estela are popular in Portuguese-speaking regions. Additionally, alternative spellings such as Stelle or Stelo could be the result of anglicization or personal preference. Despite these variations in spelling and pronunciation, the fundamental meaning of the name remains relatively consistent across cultures, often representing qualities like brightness or starlight.

Famous people with the last name Stella

Carmen Dell'Orefice Stella is a renowned American supermodel, often regarded as the world's oldest working model. Born in 1931, she has graced countless magazine covers and walked runways for prestigious fashion houses since the age of 15. Her stunning features and graceful presence have made her a timeless beauty. Another notable figure is Frank Stella, a prominent American painter and printmaker. Born in 1936, his innovative techniques and abstract style have marked him as one of the pioneers of minimalism and post-painterly abstraction. His geometric, colorful compositions have been exhibited in numerous major museums worldwide, cementing his status as an influential figure in contemporary art. Both Carmen Dell'Orefice Stella and Frank Stella have made tremendous contributions to their respective fields, leaving behind a lasting impact on the worlds of fashion and art.

Genealogical research on the last name Stella

The surname Stella is of Italian origin and is derived from the Latin word "stella," meaning "star." It is a topographic or locational surname, indicating someone who lived near a place called Stella or someone who possessed characteristics associated with stars. The name Stella is relatively common in Italy, particularly in the southern regions such as Campania, Calabria, and Sicily. It can be presumed that many individuals with the surname Stella trace their ancestry back to these regions in Italy. Genealogical research on the Stella name could uncover various lineages, family connections, and migrations throughout generations. It may reveal information about specific individuals, such as their occupations, residences, and relationships, shedding light on the cultural and historical context of their lives. Further research could involve exploring church records, census data, immigration records, and other relevant documents to trace the family's origins and potentially connect with living relatives.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stella"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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