What does Della mean and where does it come from?
Della is a variant of the name Adella, which derives from Old German 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'nobility'. The name gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century. Della is often associated with elegance and strength, and its use has been consistent in varying cultures. Famous personalit
Cultural significance
Della has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #60 in 1881 — currently #645 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Della?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Della?
Della works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Della Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Della Rose
Floral · soft ending
Della Mae
Sweet · timeless
Della Claire
French influence · crisp
Della Jane
Literary · strong
Della Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Della right now?
Rising — up 13 spots — currently #645 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #645 | 453 | ▲ up 13 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #658 | 449 | ▲ up 52 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #710 | 405 | ▲ up 205 · +44% births |
| 2020 | #915 | 281 | ▲ up 251 · +30% births |
| 2015 | #1166 | 216 | ▲ up 453 · +62% births |
| 2010 | #1619 | 133 | ▲ up 676 · +71% births |
| 2005 | #2295 | 78 | ▲ up 774 · +73% births |
| 2000 | #3069 | 45 | ▼ down 647 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #2422 | 53 | ▼ down 163 · -5% births |
| 1990 | #2259 | 56 | ▼ down 379 · -5% births |
| 1985 | #1880 | 59 | ▼ down 664 · -45% births |
| 1980 | #1216 | 108 | ▼ down 394 · -35% births |
| 1975 | #822 | 165 | ▼ down 223 · -43% births |
| 1970 | #599 | 291 | ▼ down 118 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #481 | 389 | — |
The story of Della
Della has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #60 in 1881. A total of 68,577 babies have received this name. Once ranked #66 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #645 in 2023. Della is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Della in 1881:
Della by decade
Della peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5,054 | |
| 1890s | 6,420 | |
| 1900s | 5,964 | |
| 1910s | 9,481 | |
| 1920s ★ | 10,422 | |
| 1930s | 7,972 | |
| 1940s | 6,365 | |
| 1950s | 6,037 | |
| 1960s | 4,584 | |
| 1970s | 1,804 | |
| 1980s | 814 | |
| 1990s | 512 | |
| 2000s | 719 | |
| 2010s | 2,148 | |
| 2020s | 281 | |
What are good nicknames for Della?
ENGLISH
AdalynAdalynnAdelineAdelynAleneAliAlineAllieAllyDelia
What names sound and feel like Della?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Della also consider these
How is Della written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Della
What does the name Della mean?
Della means "Noble" — a name rooted in English 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 Della?
Della is currently ranked #645 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Della have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Della?
Della originates from English tradition. English 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 Della?
Della is a two-syllable name pronounced D EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Della trending right now?
Della is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.