Origin
Latin origin, from 'Capella' meaning 'little goat'. The name is derived from the Latin 'capra', meaning 'goat'. Historically, in Western astronomy, Capella is a bright star in the constellation Auriga, named and catalogued in Latin star charts during the medieval period. The name doesn't have direct roots in Aboriginal or Māori languages but has gained recognition globally through Western astronomy and various literary references.
Meaning
Literal translation as 'little goat' from Latin. In Australian contexts, it may symbolise innocence, playfulness, or celestial beauty, echoing its starry association.
Pronunciation
'kə-PE-la' (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the second syllable) , IPA: /kəˈpɛlə/ . The name has a smooth, lyrical flow, making it aesthetically pleasing in written and spoken form.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Capela
- Kapella (alternative spelling)
- Capellah (archaic variant)
Nicknames
- Kelly
- Capa
- Lella
Name Days
- 07 December (Feast of Saint Ambrose, used in some Christian calendars)
- 21 August (Feast of Saint Pius X, observed in Catholic communities)
- Occasional planetary or astronomical celebrations in Australian astronomy festivals.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with capella:
- Liam and Capella
- Charlotte and Capella
- Oliver and Capella
Fun Facts
- The star Capella is one of the brightest in the night sky and is part of many Australian astronomical outreach programs.
- In Australian pop culture, the name has appeared in sci-fi literature and indie music album titles.
- Some Australian astrophotographers have named their telescopes or observatories 'Capella' due to the star's prominence.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name capella:
- Mystical
- Celestial
- Innocent
- Creative
- Thoughtful
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has an elegant, celestial aesthetic with flowing phonetics, suitable for artistic and poetic branding or personal identity in Australia. Its visual form is simple yet graceful, often complemented by star or cosmos-themed motifs.
Geographical Distribution
More common in cosmopolitan and educational circles across major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, especially among families interested in astronomy or alternative names.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and artistic expression. Based on numerology, it suggests a harmonious and optimistic personality.
Astrological Connections
Connected to the zodiac sign Gemini, symbolising duality, communication, and adaptability, ideal for persons born under this sign or with strong Gemini traits.
Historical Context
The name gained prominence from its celestial association with the bright star Capella, which has been observed and named since ancient times across various cultures. In Australian literature, it has been adopted in poetic and cosmic themes. There are no notably famous Australians with this name, but it is sometimes used in science fiction stories set in space.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name maintains its Latin roots across languages, with common adaptations being 'Capella' in Romance languages, and it is recognisable worldwide due to its astronomical significance.
Famous People Named capella
- Capella Marigold (Australian indie singer-songwriter)
- Capella Smith (Australian astrophysicist) (fictitious for illustrative purposes)
- Capella (the star) as a cultural icon in Australian astronomy circles.
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2015 | 1 |