Ella

The first name Ella is a popular female name and is often used as a short form for various names, particularly those beginning with El-, such as Elisabeth or Eleonore, as well as names ending in -ella, such as Gabriella or Isabella. Additionally, Ella is also a short form of Helena.

What does the name Ella mean?

Ella is often regarded as a short form of a number of first names, particularly Elisabeth or Isabella, and thus has ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is abundance.' When interpreted as a short form of Eleonore, it can take on the meanings 'the other' or 'the foreigner' (from Germanic) as well as 'God is my light' (from Arabic). As a short form of Gabriella, Ella means 'God is my strength' or 'heroine of God' (from Hebrew). In connection with the ancient Greek name Helena, Ella is translated as 'the shining one,' 'the radiant one,' or 'the moon.' The first name Ella has spread internationally and is very common in German-speaking, English-speaking, and Scandinavian countries. In Germany, the name was very popular at the beginning of the 20th century but experienced a decline. It was only around the turn of the millennium that Ella became popular again as a female first name and is now among the most sought-after girl names.

Where does the name Ella come from?

The name Ella has its roots in ancient Greek and ancient Hebrew and carries various meanings such as 'the radiant one' or 'the foreigner.'

How do you pronounce Ella?

The name Ella has a two-syllable and open structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually rendered as 'El-la' [ˈɛla]. The doubling of the 'l' creates a compact middle, while the open vowels give the name a certain lightness. Ella radiates friendliness and modernity – simple, harmonious, and present.

When is the name day of Ella?

Ella has numerous name days that vary depending on the specific first name from which it is derived.

Popularity

In Germany, the female first name Ella has experienced a remarkable rise. Previously, it was rather inconspicuous for many years and often found itself in the middle or lower ranges of annual rankings. However, since the 1990s, particularly in the 2000s, a clear upward trend has developed. From a less prominent name, it has gradually become a first name that has gained increasing presence. Especially in the early 21st century.

Nicknames & pet names

Bella / BellaElla / Effe / Eja / El / Ela / Elch / Elchen / Elel / Elfchen / Elfi / Eljiot / Ell / Ella-Bella / Ella-Tella / Ellaachen / Ellabella / Ellachen / Ellafant / Ellala / Ellali / Ellapropella / Ellchen / Elle / Elleli / Ellena / Elli / Ellika / Ello / Elltschi / Ellu / Elly / Else / Elsebelse / Elsi / Elsta / Elzbet / Elzi / Etschi / Nutella

Similar first names

Famous people

• Amy Ella Blanchard (writer from the USA)
• Ella Adaïewsky (1846–1926), Russian pianist and composer
• Ella Anderson (American child actress)
• Ella Baff (American dancer)
• Ella Baker (1903–1986) African American civil rights activist
• Ella Ballentine (actress from Canada)
• Ella Bergmann-Michel (German photographer)
• Ella Briggs (Austrian architect)
• Ella Donnison (cricketer from England)
• Ella Edmondson (English musician)
• Ella Ehni (1875–1952), German politician (DDP)
• Ella Endlich (singer)
• Ella Etna McBride (American photographer)
• Ella Fitzgerald (singer)
• Ella Flagg Young (1845–1918), American school reformer
• Ella Germein (Australian singer)
• Ella Gjomle (Italian skier)
• Ella Gjømle (* 1979), Norwegian cross-country skier
• Ella Gmeiner (1874–1954), German mezzo-soprano
• Ella Gunson (hockey player from New Zealand)