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Ella

/EL-ə/

Ella is a girl name of Germanic origin, meaning Other, foreign; also a short form.

  • GenderGirl
  • OriginGermanic
  • StyleModern
  • Syllables2
  • US rank#15

What does Ella mean?

Other, foreign; also a short form

Ella began as a Norman French short form of Germanic names starting with ali-, "other" or "foreign". It has since been absorbed as a short form of Eleanor, Ellen, Isabella and Gabriella, which is now how most parents encounter it.

The story behind the name

The name came to England with the Normans, faded, and was revived by the Victorians along with much of the medieval name stock.

Ella Fitzgerald gave it its most enduring association: thirteen Grammy awards and a voice that defined vocal jazz.

Ella has been a top-twenty girls' name in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia since the 2000s, and is also strong in Scandinavia and Hungary.

Notable people named Ella

  • Ella Fitzgerald, singer
  • Ella Baker, civil rights organiser

How popular is Ella?

Popularity in the United States

Ella has been given to 321,388 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

About 1 in 226 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.

04,9479,893188019502020
Babies named Ella per year in the United States, 1880–2020. Source: Social Security Administration

Popularity in France

Ella has been given to 9,331 babies in France since 1900, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

0419837190019612022
Babies named Ella per year in France, 1900–2022. Source: INSEE

Popularity in Spain

There are 558 people called Ella living in Spain, with an average age of 18.2.

321,388 Babies named since 1880
2010s Peak decade
Rising Recent trend

Variants and related names

Other spellings: Ela, Elle, Ellah

Related names: Eleanor, Isabella, Ellie, Bella, Elena

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Frequently asked questions about Ella

What does the name Ella mean?

Ella means Other, foreign; also a short form. It is of Germanic origin.

Is Ella a boy's or a girl's name?

Ella is most often given to girls.

How do you pronounce Ella?

Ella is pronounced EL-ə.

How popular is the name Ella?

Ella has been given to 321,388 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

What are other spellings of Ella?

Common variants include Ela, Elle, Ellah.