estela

Estela is a term in Spanish and Portuguese that functions as both a common noun and a feminine given name. As a common noun, estela denotes the wake or trail left by a moving object, most often a ship’s wake. It can also refer to a trailing plume of smoke, light, or other material, as in “la estela de humo.” In nautical and meteorological contexts, the word conveys the idea of a visible path or imprint left behind by motion. In extended use, estela can be used metaphorically to describe the lingering influence or aftermath of an action or event.

As a given name, Estela is primarily feminine and is used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is commonly considered to derive from the Latin stella meaning “star,” passing into the modern languages as Estela or Estella; cognate forms include Stella in Italian and English, and Estella in some dialects. The name evokes brightness or guidance and appears in various works of literature and film, as well as among public figures.

Notable bearers include Estela Barnes de Carlotto, an Argentine human rights activist and head of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo. The name is also encountered in Iberian and Latin American toponymy and surnames, reflecting its cultural reach.