Bela is a Hungarian name derived from the word 'bélá', meaning 'white'. It has been used historically, notably by Béla I, Hungary's first Christian king, and has since transcended cultures in varied forms like Belá, Biela, Bèla, Bella, or Beata. Bela has also gained popularity through characters like Bela Lugosi in Dracula and the title character of The Vampire Lestat series.