Hela

“the one who hides”

Scandinavian origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#11560US 2023

8Births / yr

↓Falling

61All-time births

📅 Since 199000

How to pronounce Hela

HEE·LAH

/ˈhiː.ˈlɑ/ · stress on HEE · 2 syllables

“the one who hides”

Scandinavian origin · Girl name

What does Hela mean and where does it come from?

Hela is a feminine name rooted in Norse mythology, representing the goddess of death and the underworld. In this context, the name signifies 'the one who hides', as she rules over the realm of the dead. The name has taken on various forms across cultures and includes connections to modern popular cu

Cultural significance

Hela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scandinavian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who hides.

Peak popularity

Reached #7900 in 2018 — currently #11560 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Hela?

Hela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Hela Grace

How popular is Hela right now?

Falling — down 2281 spots — currently #11560 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#11560 · Top 8.5%

1990

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11560	8	▼ down 2281 · -27% births
2022	#9279	11	▲ up 3399 · +57% births
2021	#12678	7	▼ down 4105 · -42% births
2020	#8573	12	▲ up 6315 · +140% births
1990	#14888	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hela

Best Year2020Rank #8573

Peak Count12

Average Rank#11396

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1990 - 20235 years

The story of Hela

Hela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 61 total births recorded, Hela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14888 in 1990 to #11560 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Hela in 2018:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Hela by decade

Hela peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	5
2000s	12
2010s ★	32
2020s	12

💎Hela has only 61 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Hela?

Common

HelHelieHely

What names sound and feel like Hela?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hela also consider these

Hella

Norway · The one who

Jela

Slavic countries · sweet; honey

Heela

India · הֵיְלָה - 'Happiness'

Kela

American · Pure, clear

Zela

American · the one who

Cela

Latin · heavenly

Helga

Scandinavian countries · Holy, sacred

Rela

Hebrew · רֵילָּה

Common questions about the name Hela

What does the name Hela mean?

Hela means "the one who hides" — a name rooted in Scandinavian 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 Hela?

Hela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hela have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Hela?

Hela originates from Scandinavian tradition. Scandinavian 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 Hela?

Hela is a two-syllable name pronounced HH IY1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Hela trending right now?

Hela is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.