What does Dela mean and where does it come from?
Dela can be found as a name in various African cultures, where it holds the connotation of association with 'earth' or 'land'. Additionally, in English-speaking countries, it can serve as a diminutive or variant form of more complex names like Adela. Usage has spread within the United States, partic
Cultural significance
Dela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in African-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the word for 'earth' or 'of the earth'..
Peak popularity
Reached #1417 in 1888 — currently #6176 in the US.
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Related Reading
African-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dela?
Dela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dela Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Dela Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Dela Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Dela Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Dela Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Dela Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Dela right now?
Rising fast — up 3548 spots — currently #6176 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6176 | 19 | ▲ up 3548 · +90% births |
| 2024 | #9724 | 10 | ▼ down 8160 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1564 | 636 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1569 | 616 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1574 | 586 | ▲ up 5605 · +3807% births |
| 2020 | #7179 | 15 | ▲ up 9287 · +200% births |
| 2015 | #16466 | 5 | ▼ down 1371 |
| 2000 | #15095 | 5 | ▼ down 1626 |
| 1995 | #13469 | 5 | ▼ down 2708 |
| 1985 | #10761 | 5 | ▼ down 4905 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #5856 | 8 | ▼ down 1621 · -20% births |
| 1960 | #4235 | 10 | ▲ up 572 · +67% births |
| 1950 | #4807 | 6 | ▼ down 702 |
| 1945 | #4105 | 6 | ▲ up 202 · +20% births |
| 1935 | #4307 | 5 | — |
The story of Dela
Dela has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 499 total births recorded, Dela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1797 in 1905 to #1564 in 2023. Dela is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dela in 1888:
Dela by decade
Dela peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 12 | |
| 1910s | 49 | |
| 1920s ★ | 70 | |
| 1930s | 31 | |
| 1940s | 27 | |
| 1950s | 65 | |
| 1960s | 56 | |
| 1970s | 43 | |
| 1980s | 21 | |
| 1990s | 35 | |
| 2000s | 23 | |
| 2010s | 47 | |
| 2020s | 44 | |
💎Dela has only 499 total recorded births since 1888 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dela?
Famous people named Dela
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Dela (Pan-African activist)
Dela used this name in the movement for African cultural pride and independence.
D(
Dela (West African traditional leader)
Dela bore this name in the royal traditions of West African kingdoms.
D(
Dela (East African historical figure)
Dela carried this name in the rich cultural heritage of East African civilization.
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Dela (African poet or griot)
Dela passed this name through the oral tradition of African storytelling and music.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dela also consider these
Common questions about the name Dela
What does the name Dela mean?
Dela means "derived from the word for 'earth' or 'of the earth'." — a name rooted in African 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 Dela?
Dela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dela?
Dela originates from African tradition. African names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Dela a common or rare name?
Dela is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Dela more of a girl or boy name?
Dela is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.