What does Ella mean and where does it come from?
The name Ella is derived from the Germanic word 'ali' meaning 'all' or 'completely'. It gained popularity in the 19th century as a diminutive of names like Eleanor and Ellen but has become a standalone name. Notably, singer Ella Fitzgerald is an iconic bearer of the name. It has variations in differ
Cultural significance
Ella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fairy maiden.
Peak popularity
Reached #12 in 2011 — currently #32 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ella?
Ella works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ella Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ella Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ella Claire
French influence · crisp
Ella Jane
Literary · strong
Ella Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ella right now?
Declining — down 7 spots — currently #32 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #32 | 5,659 | ▼ down 7 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #25 | 6,284 | ▼ down 9 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #16 | 7,037 | ▼ down 1 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #15 | 7,303 | ▲ up 3 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #18 | 7,902 | ▼ down 5 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #13 | 9,876 | ▲ up 10 · +9% births |
| 2005 | #23 | 9,065 | ▲ up 241 · +642% births |
| 2000 | #264 | 1,222 | ▲ up 424 · +295% births |
| 1995 | #688 | 309 | ▲ up 147 · +31% births |
| 1990 | #835 | 235 | ▲ up 194 · +61% births |
| 1985 | #1029 | 146 | ▼ down 148 · -16% births |
| 1980 | #881 | 174 | ▼ down 109 · -5% births |
| 1975 | #772 | 183 | ▼ down 208 · -44% births |
| 1970 | #564 | 324 | ▼ down 135 · -32% births |
| 1965 | #429 | 478 | — |
The story of Ella
Ella has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #12 in 2011. More than 321,235 babies have been named Ella since 1880. Ella shows a classic revival pattern — popular in the 1880s, declining mid-century, then surging back in recent decades. Ella is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ella in 2011:
Ella by decade
Ella peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 13,967 | |
| 1890s | 17,118 | |
| 1900s | 14,842 | |
| 1910s | 25,001 | |
| 1920s | 29,681 | |
| 1930s | 20,122 | |
| 1940s | 16,076 | |
| 1950s | 11,063 | |
| 1960s | 5,196 | |
| 1970s | 2,098 | |
| 1980s | 1,576 | |
| 1990s | 3,874 | |
| 2000s | 67,569 | |
| 2010s ★ | 85,749 | |
| 2020s | 7,303 | |
What names sound and feel like Ella?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ella also consider these
Common questions about the name Ella
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella means "fairy maiden" — 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 Ella?
Ella is currently ranked #32 in the United States 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 Ella?
Ella 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 Ella?
Ella is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ella more of a girl or boy name?
Ella is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.