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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Estella?

115 replies

IsItADream · 24/06/2025 08:04

I posted a while ago asking for opinions on the name Flavia. Turns out my partner doesn't like it, nor any of the other 20ish names I suggested. So I made a new list and the only name he had a positive comment for was Estella. He actually said he had been thinking of Estella or Stella, but I immediately shot down Stella because I know my sister's immediate association will be the lager and I just can't get that out of my head.

What do people think of Estella? Still too close to Stella or does the extra E help?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Jean8 · 26/06/2025 11:58

Love it as well as Estelle. Esti/Esty/Estie as a nn for a baby perhaps? Think that’s John Legend’s daughter’s name.

Gemstonebeach · 26/06/2025 08:33

Estella is lovely

Original poster

IsItADream · 26/06/2025 08:31

Zebralie · 26/06/2025 07:59

But Janina IS pronounced Yanina in German!

Janine and Estelle are French and therefore pronounced Janin and Estell even in Germany.

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Yes, but this Janina was pronounced Zhanina - it's her name so she should know how to pronounce it!

OP posts:

Zebralie · 26/06/2025 07:59

IsItADream · 26/06/2025 07:21

I used to work with a (German) Janina. None of my German colleagues ever managed to remember that it wasn't pronounced Yanina.
And either way Estelle doesn't sound right with my partner's very German last name.

Show quote history

But Janina IS pronounced Yanina in German!

Janine and Estelle are French and therefore pronounced Janin and Estell even in Germany.

Original poster

IsItADream · 26/06/2025 07:21

Zebralie · 25/06/2025 14:15

I think most Germans will pick up that Estelle is French and pronounced E-Stell!

OP posts:

GoodVibesHere · 26/06/2025 02:13

Francesca
Louisa

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 26/06/2025 00:55

VirginaGirl · 25/06/2025 14:17

I like it but much prefer Estelle. Sounds more chic.

Nah

It’s like Julia / Julie or Camilla / Camille

The Latin version always sounds better in English. Estelle sounds like a time travelling barmaid from the 50s

SnowFrogJelly · 26/06/2025 00:54

Prefer Stella

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 26/06/2025 00:53

I love it

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 25/06/2025 18:24

Torkieshorkie · 25/06/2025 18:19

Why is it bad to be associated with Great Expectations?

but Stella is an awful name

Edited

Not bad to be associated with Great Expectations per se, but the character of Estella isn't exactly a positive association!

Tiredgrump · 25/06/2025 18:20

Elena?

Torkieshorkie · 25/06/2025 18:19

Why is it bad to be associated with Great Expectations?

but Stella is an awful name

MsGoodenough · 25/06/2025 17:43

I really like it. I don't think the Great Expectations link is a bad thing. I prefer Stella (If I were having a DD right now she would be Stella), but that's because I like my names less frilly. What's most important is that you and your DH both like it.

VirginaGirl · 25/06/2025 14:17

I like it but much prefer Estelle. Sounds more chic.

Fingernailbiter · 25/06/2025 14:16

My immediate thought was Great Expectations.

Zebralie · 25/06/2025 14:15

I think most Germans will pick up that Estelle is French and pronounced E-Stell!

Original poster

IsItADream · 25/06/2025 08:11

Zebralie · 25/06/2025 08:05

I prefer Estelle

Estelle (pronounced Eh-stell) doesn't flow right with the surname and it will end up as Estell-uh in German anyway so we might as well just go with the Estella spelling to begin with.
Same with names like Caroline (Ca-ro-Leen-uh) and Anne (Ann-eh).

OP posts:

Zebralie · 25/06/2025 08:05

I prefer Estelle

Original poster

IsItADream · 25/06/2025 08:01

2chocolateoranges · 25/06/2025 06:25

For everyone commenting on my post that Stella is also a beer(( I know that as worked in hospitality industry for 18years) I just meant out of the two I preferred The name Stella.

if you’ve already got a daughter with the name Eliza I’d steer clear of using the E initial, or when they are older you are going to have two lots of post addressed to Miss E surname.

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No, My daughter isn't Eliza (or anything with E). We have an Eliza in the family but not our daughter.

OP posts:

2chocolateoranges · 25/06/2025 06:25

gildurthegreen · 24/06/2025 08:09

Stella is also a beer though - Stella artois

Show quote history

For everyone commenting on my post that Stella is also a beer(( I know that as worked in hospitality industry for 18years) I just meant out of the two I preferred The name Stella.

if you’ve already got a daughter with the name Eliza I’d steer clear of using the E initial, or when they are older you are going to have two lots of post addressed to Miss E surname.

AtomHeartMotherOfGod · 25/06/2025 01:04

Yes, Estella from Great Expectations and by association, Alanis Morrisette's lyric: 'I'm like Estella, I like to reel it in and then spit it out; I'm frustrated by your apathy!'

Haha @jjeoreo massive cross post.

thatsthatsaidthemayor · 25/06/2025 00:45

Estelle is nice though :)

thatsthatsaidthemayor · 25/06/2025 00:44

Estella. Beer. Stella beer. Sorry. 1st things that spring to mind. Carling would be nice though