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.
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Related Reading
Scandinavian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Hela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hela Claire
French influence · crisp
Hela Jane
Literary · strong
Hela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hela right now?
Falling — down 2281 spots — currently #11560 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
💎Hela has only 61 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hela?
What names sound and feel like Hela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hela also consider these
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.