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National Stella Day – July 10, 2023

Today is National Stella Day which occurs annually on July 10. The day aims to celebrate everyone named Stella — young and old; famous or not.

Stella is a female given name that simply means ‘star’ in Latin — quite elegant, we’d dare to say. It has appeared in the Top 1,000 list of names for baby girls since 1900, the first available year of data from the Social Security Administration. It remained in the top 100 most popular names for baby girls for about a quarter-century.

History of National Stella Day

The name Stella came into regular use after being included in a sonnet by English poet Philip Sidney, one of the most prominent literary figures of the Elizabethan age. His sonnet was entitled “Astrophel and Stella” and it tells the story of a love affair between a man and a woman.

The name had dropped off the Top 1,000 list by 1986, though it reappeared on the list at number 909 in 1998. Over the following 10 years, the name made a big comeback, jumping almost 800 spots. At its peak, in 2018, it sat at number 32.

The recent rise in popularity of the name could be attributed to the success of Stella McCartney. Known as a cultural icon, this English fashion designer is also the daughter of the popular singer-songwriter Sir Paul McCartney. Along with a successful fashion house bearing her name, Stella McCartney also owns a perfume brand simply called Stella.

There are many variations of the name: Estella and Estrella which are Spanish, Estelle and Stela which are Latin, and the English variation Starla.

National Stella Day timeline

1580
Philip Sidney Publishes His Sonnet

Philip Sidney publishes his sonnet “Astrophel and Stella.”

1946
Stella Chiweshe is Born

Internationally known Zambian musician Stella Chiweshe is born.

1971
Stella McCartney is Born

On September 13, Stella McCartney is born.

1975
Stella Parton Releases Her First Solo Album

In 1975 Stella Parton releases her first solo album entitled "I Want to Hold You in My Dreams Tonight" which becomes a national hit.

2019
Stella Barsosio Wins the Sydney Marathon

Long-distance runner Stella Barsosio wins the Sydney Marathon and sets a new course record of 2:24:33.

National Stella Day FAQs

What is the name Stella short for?

The name Stella is of Latin origin and means ‘star.’ It became popular as a stand-alone after it was previously used as a variation of Estelle and Estella.

Is Stella a boy or girl name?

Stella is a female given name.

Is Stella a nickname for Estelle?

Stella can and is used as a shortened form of Estelle.

National Stella Day Activities

  1. Take the day off

    If your name is Stella, take the day off and celebrate instead. Treat yourself to a spa day or just rest and relax!

  2. Buy yourself some 'Stella'

    Gift yourself some 'Stella' perfume or an item in her clothing range. It’s sure to brighten up your day.

  3. Host a party

    Throw a party for yourself or for someone you know named Stella. They’ll surely appreciate the gesture.

5 Interesting Facts About Stella McCartney

  1. Owns a fashion house and perfume brand

    In 2001, Stella McCartney launched her fashion house and followed it up by launching her eponymous fragrance.

  2. She is a vegetarian

    Stella McCartney has been a lifelong vegetarian and has never used leather, feathers, skin, or fur in any of her designs.

  3. She has a kids' range of clothing

    In 2009 'Stella Kids' was launched.

  4. She designed Madonna’s wedding dress

    Stella McCartney designed Madonna’s wedding dress for her 2000 wedding to Guy Ritchie.

  5. Advocate for breast cancer awareness

    The Stella McCartney Cares Foundation is a non-profit charity platform supporting sustainability and breast cancer awareness.

Why We Love National Stella Day

  1. it is a day dedicated to Stella

    Today honors everyone named Stella. We think it is pretty special.

  2. There are many ways to celebrate

    This day is entirely yours and there are numerous ways to celebrate it. Throw a party or take the day off. It’s up to you!

  3. It is interesting

    It’s interesting to know where our names originated from. Today is the day when we learn all about the name ‘Stella.’

National Stella Day dates

YearDateDay
2023July 10Monday
2024July 10Wednesday
2025July 10Thursday
2026July 10Friday
2027July 10Saturday

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