What Does the Name Celeste Mean?
Celeste means "heavenly" or "celestial," from the Latin caelestis, itself from caelum, "sky" or "heaven."
The Origin & History of Celeste
The name has roots in early Christian use, where caelestis carried devotional meaning, and it passed into French as Celeste before becoming established in English in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Cultural Reach
Celeste has been used across film, music, and literature for decades, and it saw renewed visibility in the UK through the Mercury Prize-nominated singer Celeste.
Famous People Named Celeste
Notable bearers include Celeste Holm, the American actress who won an Academy Award for Gentleman's Agreement, and Celeste (Celeste Waite), the British singer-songwriter.
Nicknames & Variations
Celeste is typically used in full, though Cece is sometimes used as a nickname. Related forms include the Italian Celestina and the male form Celestino.
Is Celeste a Good Name in 2026?
Celeste's airy, elegant sound and clear "heavenly" meaning have kept it a dependable classic, popular with parents who want a name that feels both soft and sophisticated.