What does Anela mean and where does it come from?
Anela is a Hawaiian name meaning 'angel' or 'messenger.' It reflects the importance of cultural values in Hawaiian heritage, showing an affinity to the spiritual world. The name has gained popularity in the United States, especially among those with connections to Hawaiian culture.
Cultural significance
Anela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of messenger or angel.
Peak popularity
Reached #2375 in 2003 — currently #3139 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anela?
Anela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Anela Claire
French influence · crisp
Anela Jane
Literary · strong
Anela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anela right now?
Rising — up 36 spots — currently #3139 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3139 | 52 | ▲ up 36 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #3175 | 51 | ▲ up 169 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #3344 | 47 | ▲ up 654 · +34% births |
| 2020 | #3998 | 35 | ▼ down 284 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #3714 | 41 | ▼ down 1174 · -43% births |
| 2010 | #2540 | 72 | ▲ up 483 · +36% births |
| 2005 | #3023 | 53 | ▲ up 399 · +36% births |
| 2000 | #3422 | 39 | ▲ up 3340 · +200% births |
| 1995 | #6762 | 13 | ▼ down 504 · -7% births |
| 1990 | #6258 | 14 | ▲ up 389 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #6647 | 10 | ▼ down 1547 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #5100 | 14 | ▲ up 4532 · +180% births |
| 1975 | #9632 | 5 | ▼ down 2863 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #6769 | 7 | — |
The story of Anela
Anela entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 1,528 total births recorded, Anela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6769 in 1970 to #3139 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Anela in 2003:
Anela by decade
Anela peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 73 | |
| 1980s | 104 | |
| 1990s | 169 | |
| 2000s ★ | 590 | |
| 2010s | 542 | |
| 2020s | 35 | |
💎With 1,528 total births, Anela is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Anela?
What names sound and feel like Anela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anela also consider these
Common questions about the name Anela
What does the name Anela mean?
Anela means "Messenger or angel" — a name rooted in Hawaii tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Anela?
Anela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Anela have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Anela?
Anela originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Anela?
Anela is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 N EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Anela?
Anela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hawaii heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.