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Ella Girl

Popularity: #30 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationEL-uh / ˈɛlə

German; English; Hebrew

Meaning

German: fairy maiden; English: beautiful fairy; Hebrew: God has sworn

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ella has its roots in several linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Germanic word "ali," meaning "other" or "foreign." This etymology is reflected in its early forms, which include the Old High German "Alia" and the Old English "Ælfgifu," where it was often used as a diminutive or affectionate form. The name was further influenced by the Latin "Aella," which means "a fairy maiden" or "goddess," and it eventually made its way into English through Norman French after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century.

Historically, the name Ella has been associated with various notable figures. In the 19th century, it gained prominence through literary works, notably in the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson, who used it in his writings. Additionally, the name appears in various forms in medieval literature, often linked to themes of beauty and grace. The name was also borne by saints, such as Saint Ella, a 7th-century figure in the early Christian church, which contributed to its enduring presence in Christian contexts.

Culturally, Ella has resonated through its associations with femininity and elegance, often symbolizing light and beauty. The name has been embraced in various cultures, leading to its adaptation in different languages and forms, such as the diminutive "Ellie". Its simplicity and melodic quality have allowed it to endure through centuries, making it a timeless choice in various cultural narratives.

Trend Summary

Ella has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Elle
  • Elly
  • Ellie

International Variants

  • Ella (Spanish)
  • Ellen (English)
  • Elena (Italian)
  • Elli (Finnish)

Famous people named Ella

Ella Fitzgerald is a jazz singer best known for Summertime, Dream a Little Dream of Me, and A-Tisket, A-Tasket.

Ella Purnell is an actress best known for Yellowjackets, Army of the Dead, and The Last Kingdom.

Ella Henderson is a singer-songwriter best known for Ghost, Glow, and Yours.

Ella Mai is a singer-songwriter best known for Boo'd Up, Trip, and Shot Clock.

Ella Balinska is an actress best known for Charlie's Angels, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and Run Sweetheart Run.

Ella Rumpf is an actress best known for Raw, Tiger Girl, and The Last Word.

Fictional characters named Ella

Ella is a fictional character from the novel Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. She is a young woman who is cursed with obedience, leading her on a quest to break the spell and gain her freedom.

Ella is a fictional character from the animated film Cinderella. She is a kind-hearted young woman who overcomes adversity with the help of her fairy godmother to attend the royal ball.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ella was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ella has ranked as high as #48 nationally, which occurred in 2010, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Ella has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ella (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 583
11%
TX 472
9%
FL 385
7%
NY 346
6%
OH 236
4%
PA 233
4%
NC 199
4%
IL 186
3%
NJ 172
3%
GA 166
3%
TN 145
3%
VA 142
3%
MA 128
2%
MO 120
2%
WA 119
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,156
18811,148
18821,206
18831,251
18841,374
18851,395
18861,464
18871,521
18881,774
18891,647
18901,758
18911,685
18921,808
18931,760
18941,761
18951,692
18961,683
18971,708
18981,715
18991,502
19001,911
19011,435
19021,525
19031,419
19041,432
19051,438
19061,343
19071,450
19081,428
19091,382
19101,587
19111,604
19121,921
19132,071
19142,308
19152,954
19162,965
19173,054
19183,291
19193,158
19203,232
19213,237
19223,150
19232,995
19243,061
19253,006
19262,852
19272,843
19282,670
19292,474
19302,404
19312,162
19322,256
19332,027
19342,071
19351,901
19361,836
19371,748
19381,728
19391,829
19401,671
19411,697
19421,659
19431,664
19441,573
19451,472
19461,500
19471,635
19481,554
19491,552
19501,379
19511,364
19521,245
19531,161
19541,099
19551,125
1956989
1957968
1958841
1959866
1960747
1961713
1962631
1963597
1964564
1965479
1966430
1967382
1968314
1969320
1970323
1971257
1972205
1973224
1974212
1975182
1976183
1977163
1978174
1979173
1980174
1981181
1982177
1983156
1984138
1985146
1986127
1987128
1988183
1989165
1990237
1991216
1992229
1993266
1994314
1995310
1996383
1997501
1998657
1999782
20001,232
20011,722
20023,566
20035,909
20048,251
20059,071
20069,211
20079,553
20089,362
20099,657
20109,883
20119,597
20129,211
20138,461
20148,568
20157,917
20167,939
20178,083
20188,126
20198,127
20207,367
20217,037
20226,284
20235,659
20245,685