Ella is a masterclass in elegant simplicity. Few names manage to bridge the gap between vintage charm and modern minimalism quite as effectively as this two-syllable powerhouse. It carries a diverse array of vibes depending on the context; it can feel jazzy and soulful thanks to the legendary Fitzgerald, whimsical and fairy-tale-esque thanks to Ella Enchanted, or grounded and royal in the vein of a Victorian classic. It is a “little black dress” of names, appropriate for every occasion and style.
Historically, the name derives from Germanic and English roots meaning “fairy maiden” or “completely,” while also holding ties to Hebrew translations referencing goddesses or the mighty terebinth tree. It is a name that sounds soft on the ear but carries a history of strength.
Verdict: Ella is the perfect choice for a baby born in 2025 if you want a name that is universally recognized but never feels trendy or dated. It is a “forever name” that will age beautifully from a bouncing toddler to a distinguished professional.
Ella Overview
- Meaning: Fairy, Goddess.
- Gender: Typically a female first name.
- Origin: Greek, Norman, Hebrew
- Pronunciation: “El-uh”
- Popularity: Very popular in the U.S.
- Nicknames: El, L, Lala.
- Variations: Elle, Ela, Eleanor, Ellie.
- Namesakes: Ella Fitzgerald, Ella Maillart, Ella Yelich-O’Connor.
What Does Ella Mean?
The name Ella is fascinating because it is historically a chameleon, taking on different meanings depending on which etymological root you trace. The most common interpretation stems from the Old German word alia, which translates to “other.” While “other” might sound abstract, in the context of ancient naming conventions, it was often used to indicate a traveler or someone from a different land, lending the name a sense of mystery and exoticism.
In English folklore, the name is often connected to “elf” or “fairy maiden,” giving it a whimsical, magical quality. Furthermore, in Hebrew, the word Elah refers to the terebinth tree, a strong, massive tree native to the Middle East, and can also mean “goddess.” Therefore, naming a child Ella can represent anything from magical beauty to unwavering, rooted strength.
Where Does the Name Ella Come From?
There are several possible origins for the name Ella. It is either of Greek origin, Nomadic origin, or Hebrew origin. The name was introduced to England by the Normans, originally appearing as “Alia” or attached to longer Germanic names like Alienor.
The Greek mythology figure often associated with similar sounds is Helle, though the connection is distant. The Norman version means “fairy”, ”maiden”, and “other.” The Hebrew version refers to a specific type of tree and can also mean goddess. It became a standalone favorite in the 19th century, beloved by Victorians for its sweetness and brevity.
How Popular is the Name Ella?
Ella is a certified modern classic. According to the Social Security Administration, Ella has consistently ranked in the top 20 names in the United States since 2008 (1). It is not merely a “trendy” name that spiked and vanished; rather, it has established itself as a staple of the 21st century.
Before its current reign, the name was steadily increasing in popularity since its dip in the 1980s. The name Ella was last popular in the Victorian era when it was consistently in the top 50 most popular names. Today, it sits comfortably alongside other vintage revivals like Olivia and Emma, beloved for its timeless appeal.
How Do I Pronounce Ella?
It is pronounced, “El-uh.” Typically, emphasis is on the first syllable. It rhymes with “Bella,” “Stella,” and “umbrella.” The vowels are soft and open, making it an easy name for children to learn to write and say.
Is Ella a Boy or Girl Name?
Ella is usually a female first name. While historically there have been men with the name (such as the Israeli King Elah or occasional surnames used as first names), in modern English-speaking cultures, it is almost exclusively feminine.
Variations of Ella
Thanks to this name being short and sweet, there are several variations of Ella around the world. Versions of it exist throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States. In some cases, Ella is only a component of a longer name, such as Elanor.
- Ela: A Polish and Turkish variation.
- Elle: The French pronoun “she,” often used as a chic standalone name.
- Ellie: A popular diminutive often used as a full name.
- Elia: An Italian or Spanish variation.
- Aila: A Finnish variation with a similar sound.
- Eleanor: A classic longer form.
- Elodie: A French lyrical option.
- Eloise: A vintage French classic.
- Ellan
- Ellen
- Ellayna
- Ellar
- Ellarie
- Ellayne
- Ellanora
- Ellaine
- Ellah
- Elana
- Elasyn
- Ellamae
- Ellaree
- Alia
Nicknames for Ella
Since Ella is such a short name, it does not have several natural nicknames. Therefore, you may want to extrapolate beyond the syllables of the name itself. Combine the name or components with the name with silly or punny prefixes, suffixes, or words.
- El: The simplest shorthand.
- Ellie: A cutesy extension.
- Lala: A playful, rhythmic option for toddlers.
- Elle-Bell: An affectionate rhyme.
- Ella-Phant: A cute “dad joke” nickname.
- Cinderella: For the princess lover.
- La
- L
- El El
- Elle
- Els
- Elz
- Lila
- Nella
- Umbrella
- Nutella
- Ella Bella
Names Similar to Ella
If you like the name Ella, but want to go with something else, there are several that fill a similar niche. There are many elements to the name Ella that you may like. It is simple, yet elegant. It evokes an ethereal meaning of fairy or goddess.
- Emma: Shares the double-consonant, vintage appeal.
- Olivia: Another vowel-heavy top-tier favorite.
- Anna: A classic palindrome with royal history.
- Lily: Offers the same floral, soft femininity.
- Chloe: A Greek name that shares the popularity rank.
- Stella: Means “star” and rhymes with Ella.
- Bella: The Italian “beautiful” cousin to Ella.
- Claire: A one-syllable French classic meaning “clear.”
- Clara: The vintage, clear Latin version of Claire.
- Lucy: Means “light,” sharing a spiritual vibe.
- Emily: A literary favorite akin to the Brontës.
- Eliza: Spunky, vintage, and energetic.
- Lenora
- Adella
- Marcella
- Gisella
- Gabriella
- Esme
- Violet
Middle Names for Ella
Ella is a name that does well with any middle name. The reason for this versatility is due to Ella’s versatility. Whether you pair it with another simple name or a more complex middle name, Ella is sure to shine. If you prefer a simple yet elegant name, opt for a middle name with one or two syllables, and if you want some complexity, choose a longer name.
Modern and One-Syllable
- Ella Brie
- Ella Cove
- Ella Blake
- Ella Hart
- Ella Hayes
- Ella Jade
- Ella Lane
Vintage and Timeless
Nature-Inspired and Whimsical
Sibling Names for Ella
If you have one child named Ella, you likely want to ensure that your next child has a compatible name. Consider names that have the same simplicity and etherealness offered by Ella.
For a Brother
- Leo: Shares the vowel-heavy, short sound.
- Noah: Gentle, biblical, and incredibly popular.
- Owen: A strong Celtic name that flows well with Ella.
- Aaron: A classic “A” name that anchors the sibling set.
- Eli: Matches the “El” beginning without sounding identical.
- Max: Punchy and vintage.
- Finn: Energetic and Irish.
- Liam: The top-ranking counterpart to Ella.
- James: The ultimate timeless classic.
- Otis: A soulful, jazzy pairing (think Ella and Otis Redding).
For a Sister
- Aurora: A princess name to match Ella’s fairytale vibes.
- Odette: French and ballet-inspired.
- Alice: Another Victorian literary darling.
- Mia: Short, sweet, and European.
- Jane: The perfect one-syllable complement.
- Maya: Earthy and global.
- Olive: A quirky alternative to Olivia.
- Poppy: Bright, floral, and happy.
- April: A fresh calendar name.
Famous People Named Ella
Many famous people lived throughout history with the name Ella. If you name your child Ella, they are an amazing company. From jazz singers to athletes to adventurers, Ellas can do anything.
- Ella Fitzgerald: The “First Lady of Song,” an American jazz icon known for her purity of tone.
- Ella Yelich-O’Connor: The real name of the Grammy-winning pop singer known as Lorde.
- Ella Purnell: English actress known for Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Yellowjackets.
- Ella Josephine Baker: A pivotal behind-the-scenes organizer in the Civil Rights Movement.
- Ella Emhoff: American model, designer, and stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Ella Maillart: A Swiss adventurer and travel writer who explored Asia in the 1930s.
- Ella Jay Basco: American actress and musician.
- Ella Chen: Taiwanese singer.
- Ella Cara Deloria: Anthropologist, linguist, novelist.
- Ella T. Grasso: The first woman elected governor of a U.S. state without succeeding her husband.
- Ella Junnila: Finnish high jumper.
- Ella Logan: Scottish actress and singer.
- Ella Mae Morse: American singer.
- Ella Raines: American actress.
- Ella Shields: British music hall singer, male impersonator.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox: American poet and author famous for the line, “Laugh, and the world laughs with you.”
- Glen Ella: Australian rugby footballer.
- Norman Ella: Australian rowing coxswain.
Ella in Popular Culture
While there are several fictional characters called Ella, the most well-known is undoubtedly Cinderella and all of her associated variations. One of those variations, Ella of Frell from Ella Enchanted, may have been responsible for the rise of the name in the early 21st century. The name arose in the early 2000s after the movie version of the Gail Carson Levine novel came out.
- Cinderella: The titular Disney princess, whose birth name is often cited as Ella.
- Ella of Frell: The protagonist of the book and movie Ella Enchanted, cursed with obedience.
- Ella Lopez: The bubbly, hug-loving forensic scientist on the TV show Lucifer.
- Ella: One of the Mighty Twins in the children’s series Paw Patrol.
- Ella Montgomery: Aria’s mother in the series Pretty Little Liars.
- Ella Swenson: A character in the film Cowboys & Aliens.
FAQs About the Name Ella
What Is the Masculine Form of Ella?
There is no directly masculine version of Ella in terms of meaning since the name relies on gender. However, several names have a similar sound and use the syllable “El.” Elliot, Elijah, Ellis, Elias, Elmer, Elmo, Elvin, and Ellington all achieve the same effect as Ella.
What Names Also Mean “Fairy” or “Goddess” Like Ella?
If you love the meaning behind the name Ella but want a different name, there are plenty of great options for you. Aine is an Irish name that means queen of the fairies. Adelina and Alette mean small-winged one in German and Latin, respectively. Fay means fairy in Old English. Ashera means goddess of fertility and motherhood in Hebrew, while Aurora means goddess of the dawn in Greek. Celeste means heavenly in French, while Charlotte means baby princess fairy in English.
When Was Ella the Least Popular?
After being popular during the Victorian era, “Ella” steadily declined after the early 1930s. It was least popular in 1983 when it ranked at 949 most popular. After that dip, it steadily rose in popularity again.
Is Ella Short for a Longer Name?
It can be! While Ella is a complete standalone name, it is frequently used as a nickname for Eleanor, Isabella, Gabriella, Marcella, Estella, or Elizabeth. This flexibility makes it a favorite for parents who want a formal name on the birth certificate and a shorter name for daily use.
Does the Name Ella Appear in the Bible?
The name Ella does not appear as a female name in the Bible. However, the masculine name “Elah” appears in the Old Testament as the fourth king of Israel. The Valley of Elah is also the famous site where David fought Goliath.
Is Ella Too Popular?
Ella is indeed a very popular name, consistently ranking in the top 20 in the United States, the UK, and Australia. While your child may share their name with a classmate, its classic status means it feels less “trendy” than other modern hits. It is popular because it is timeless, not because it is a passing fad.
What Is the Spanish Meaning of Ella?
In Spanish, “ella” (pronounced eh-yah) is the pronoun for “she” or “her.” While Spanish speakers will instantly recognize it as a pronoun, the name Ella is still used as a proper noun in Spanish-speaking countries, often spelled as “Ela” or used as a short form for names like Daniela or Antonella.
Does Ella Mean Beautiful?
Technically, no. Ella means “fairy maiden,” “other,” or “goddess.” However, it is often associated with the word “beautiful” because of the similar-sounding name “Bella,” which literally translates to beautiful in Italian and Latin.
