What does Clella mean and where does it come from?
Clella is considered a modern name with possible roots in the name 'Clara' or 'Clara Belle.' While the exact origin is obscure, it is predominantly used in the United States. Clella evokes a sense of uniqueness and charm and was particularly popular in the early to mid-20th century. The name may imp
Cultural significance
Clella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glory or fame.
Peak popularity
Reached #868 in 1899 — currently #1687 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clella?
Clella works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clella Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clella Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clella Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clella Claire
French influence · crisp
Clella Jane
Literary · strong
Clella Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clella right now?
Holding steady — currently #1687 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1687 | 513 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1692 | 493 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1697 | 463 | ▲ up 4214 · +9160% births |
| 1955 | #5911 | 5 | ▼ down 1819 · -17% births |
| 1945 | #4092 | 6 | ▼ down 1630 · -50% births |
| 1940 | #2462 | 12 | ▼ down 664 · -37% births |
| 1935 | #1798 | 19 | ▲ up 337 · +19% births |
| 1930 | #2135 | 16 | ▼ down 85 · -16% births |
| 1925 | #2050 | 19 | ▼ down 487 · -32% births |
| 1920 | #1563 | 28 | ▼ down 417 · -22% births |
| 1915 | #1146 | 36 | ▲ up 232 · +200% births |
| 1910 | #1378 | 12 | ▼ down 246 |
| 1905 | #1132 | 12 | ▼ down 134 · -20% births |
| 1900 | #998 | 15 | ▲ up 264 · +88% births |
| 1895 | #1262 | 8 | — |
The story of Clella
Clella has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 887 total births recorded, Clella remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1017 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1687 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clella in 1899:
Clella by decade
Clella peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 27 | |
| 1890s | 81 | |
| 1900s | 94 | |
| 1910s | 212 | |
| 1920s ★ | 215 | |
| 1930s | 150 | |
| 1940s | 78 | |
| 1950s | 30 | |
💎Clella has only 887 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clella?
What names sound and feel like Clella?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clella also consider these
Common questions about the name Clella
What does the name Clella mean?
Clella means "Glory or fame" — a name rooted in American 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 Clella?
Clella is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clella?
Clella originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Clella a common or rare name?
Clella is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Clella?
Clella naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.