Della Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DEL-uh //ˈdɛl.ə//
Origin: Italian; English
Meaning: Italian: noble; English: short form of Adela
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Della has its roots in the Italian name Adela, which is derived from the Germanic element "adal," meaning "noble." The name Adela made its way into Old French as "Adele" before being adapted into various forms across Europe. In the English-speaking world, Della emerged as a diminutive or variant of Adela, gaining traction in the 19th century as a standalone name.
The transition into English showcases the influence of both Italian and French linguistic traditions, reflecting the broader patterns of name adoption and adaptation during that period. Historically, the name Della can be associated with various notable figures and cultural milestones.
While not directly mentioned in biblical texts, the roots of its parent name Adela can be traced back to the medieval period, where names derived from noble lineage were common among European aristocracy. The name gained further recognition through literary works and the arts, particularly in the 19th century, when names reflecting nobility and elegance became fashionable.
This period saw the rise of romantic literature, where names like Della were often used to evoke a sense of grace and refinement. Culturally, Della carries connotations of nobility and dignity, resonating with the ideals of chivalry and virtue prevalent in medieval European society.
The name has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including literature and music, often symbolizing beauty and strength. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Dell have appeared in literature, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry.
Overall, Della's historical journey reflects a blend of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, marking its place in the lineage of names that celebrate noble heritage.
Famous people named Della
Fictional characters named Della
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Della was first seen in the United States in 1880. Della has ranked as high as #283 nationally, which occurred in 1917, and has been most popular in Kentucky, North Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Della has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Della (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| OH | 28 | |
| CA | 27 | |
| TX | 26 | |
| IL | 26 | |
| PA | 22 | |
| IN | 22 | |
| TN | 22 | |
| MO | 20 | |
| NC | 20 | |
| FL | 17 | |
| GA | 17 | |
| KY | 16 | |
| WI | 16 | |
| UT | 15 | |
| MN | 15 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 391 |
| 1881 | 428 |
| 1882 | 447 |
| 1883 | 453 |
| 1884 | 541 |
| 1885 | 500 |
| 1886 | 565 |
| 1887 | 496 |
| 1888 | 621 |
| 1889 | 606 |
| 1890 | 631 |
| 1891 | 607 |
| 1892 | 666 |
| 1893 | 660 |
| 1894 | 681 |
| 1895 | 648 |
| 1896 | 642 |
| 1897 | 624 |
| 1898 | 656 |
| 1899 | 595 |
| 1900 | 748 |
| 1901 | 534 |
| 1902 | 609 |
| 1903 | 611 |
| 1904 | 607 |
| 1905 | 593 |
| 1906 | 557 |
| 1907 | 582 |
| 1908 | 549 |
| 1909 | 568 |
| 1910 | 602 |
| 1911 | 645 |
| 1912 | 733 |
| 1913 | 789 |
| 1914 | 879 |
| 1915 | 1,086 |
| 1916 | 1,172 |
| 1917 | 1,192 |
| 1918 | 1,162 |
| 1919 | 1,190 |
| 1920 | 1,137 |
| 1921 | 1,153 |
| 1922 | 1,155 |
| 1923 | 1,125 |
| 1924 | 1,050 |
| 1925 | 1,028 |
| 1926 | 1,009 |
| 1927 | 946 |
| 1928 | 897 |
| 1929 | 866 |
| 1930 | 887 |
| 1931 | 863 |
| 1932 | 844 |
| 1933 | 850 |
| 1934 | 796 |
| 1935 | 774 |
| 1936 | 721 |
| 1937 | 787 |
| 1938 | 748 |
| 1939 | 680 |
| 1940 | 650 |
| 1941 | 673 |
| 1942 | 681 |
| 1943 | 681 |
| 1944 | 636 |
| 1945 | 532 |
| 1946 | 588 |
| 1947 | 732 |
| 1948 | 611 |
| 1949 | 574 |
| 1950 | 620 |
| 1951 | 654 |
| 1952 | 614 |
| 1953 | 550 |
| 1954 | 591 |
| 1955 | 590 |
| 1956 | 542 |
| 1957 | 538 |
| 1958 | 663 |
| 1959 | 676 |
| 1960 | 745 |
| 1961 | 615 |
| 1962 | 520 |
| 1963 | 535 |
| 1964 | 469 |
| 1965 | 389 |
| 1966 | 369 |
| 1967 | 326 |
| 1968 | 324 |
| 1969 | 291 |
| 1970 | 291 |
| 1971 | 247 |
| 1972 | 204 |
| 1973 | 173 |
| 1974 | 165 |
| 1975 | 165 |
| 1976 | 145 |
| 1977 | 180 |
| 1978 | 119 |
| 1979 | 115 |
| 1980 | 108 |
| 1981 | 98 |
| 1982 | 96 |
| 1983 | 90 |
| 1984 | 74 |
| 1985 | 59 |
| 1986 | 84 |
| 1987 | 62 |
| 1988 | 64 |
| 1989 | 79 |
| 1990 | 56 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 59 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 57 |
| 1995 | 53 |
| 1996 | 54 |
| 1997 | 42 |
| 1998 | 37 |
| 1999 | 50 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 44 |
| 2002 | 62 |
| 2003 | 68 |
| 2004 | 75 |
| 2005 | 78 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 77 |
| 2009 | 115 |
| 2010 | 133 |
| 2011 | 120 |
| 2012 | 174 |
| 2013 | 164 |
| 2014 | 194 |
| 2015 | 217 |
| 2016 | 248 |
| 2017 | 252 |
| 2018 | 314 |
| 2019 | 339 |
| 2020 | 284 |
| 2021 | 405 |
| 2022 | 449 |
| 2023 | 453 |
| 2024 | 518 |