All about the name

Ella

Male

« Ella is an English name derived from the Old German 'Alia', meaning 'other' or 'foreign', also related to the Greek 'Helene', meaning 'torchlight'. It gained prominence in the 19th century and has been steadily popular since the early 2000s, ranking among the top 10 girl names in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Ella is a name of English origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old German word 'Alia', which means 'other' or 'foreign'. The name Ella also shares roots with the Greek word 'Helene', meaning 'torchlight'. The name Ella was first used as a given name in the 19th century, possibly inspired by the heroine in Charles Dickens' novel "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". However, it is more commonly associated with Ella, the lead character in the musical "Cinderella", which contributed to its surge in popularity. In literature and pop culture, Ella has been used as a name for various characters. Apart from Cinderella, other notable examples include Ella enrols in high school in the television series "Degrassi" and Ella Purnell, an actress known for her roles in films like "Never Let Me Go" and "Kick-Ass 2". Ella is a name that has been steadily gaining popularity since the early 2000s. In the United States, it was among the top 10 names for girls from 2014 to 2017, reaching its peak popularity in 2015 when it ranked fourth. This trend is not limited to the U.S.; Ella has also been popular in countries like England, Wales, Australia, and Canada. In many cultures, Ella is considered a name that conveys elegance, charm, and grace. Its short and simple pronunciation makes it easy to remember and pronounce, contributing to its widespread appeal. Despite its growing popularity, Ella remains a classic name with a timeless appeal.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ella since 1880

Total births
900
Total since 1880
Peak year
2004
27 births
in 2023
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-11%
vs previous 5 years