Origin: Swedish
Gender: Masculine
(STEL-lan)
The name is of uncertain origin and meaning. The name was first recorded in Sweden in the 17th-century. It was borne by the German-born noble, Stellan Otto von Mörner who served as a page to King Karl IX of Sweden. Though von Mörner is of German origin, Stellan has not been in use in Germany until recent times, and in the latter case, it is a borrowing from the Swedish. Since von Mörner was from what is now Poland, near Mieszkowice, perhaps the name was a Germanization of some obscure Slavic or Baltic name that is now lost to history.
Some sources believe that the name may be linked with the Old Norse, stilling (calm).
In recent years, the name has become more widespread in Nordic countries, a notable bearer is Swedish actor, Stellan Skarsgård (b.1951).
Sources