Novella

“new”

Italy origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#2724US 2023

64Births / yr

↑Rising

6kAll-time births

📅 Since 188200.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Novella

noh·VEL·uh

/noʊ.ˈvɛl.ə/ · stress on VEL · 3 syllables

“new”

Italy origin · Girl name

What does Novella mean and where does it come from?

Novella is derived from the Italian word 'novello', meaning 'new'. It first gained popularity in the Middle Ages, especially in Italy, where it was used to denote a type of short story or a narrative. In modern usage, it can refer to something fresh and often carries positive connotations of new beg

Cultural significance

Novella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of italian.

Peak popularity

Reached #495 in 1905 — currently #2724 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Novella?

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

Novella Grace

How popular is Novella right now?

Rising fast — up 191 spots — currently #2724 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#2724 · Top 2.0%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2724	64	▲ up 191 · +10% births
2022	#2915	58	▲ up 283 · +14% births
2021	#3198	51	▲ up 116 · +11% births
2020	#3314	46	▲ up 829 · +31% births
2015	#4143	35	▲ up 969 · +30% births
2010	#5112	27	▲ up 9425 · +350% births
2005	#14537	6	▼ down 2691 · -14% births
2000	#11846	7	▼ down 1613
1990	#10233	7	▼ down 4857 · -46% births
1985	#5376	13	▼ down 381 · -7% births
1980	#4995	14	▲ up 558 · +40% births
1975	#5553	10	▼ down 2225 · -47% births
1970	#3328	19	▼ down 1075 · -32% births
1965	#2253	28	▼ down 484 · -32% births
1960	#1769	41	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Novella

Best Year1905Rank #495

Peak Count124

Average Rank#3378

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202327 years

The story of Novella

Novella has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 5,980 total births recorded, Novella remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #829 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2724 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Novella in 1905:

Mary Helen Margaret Anna Ruth

Novella by decade

Novella peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	63
1890s	163
1900s	366
1910s	939
1920s ★	1,314
1930s	857
1940s	596
1950s	444
1960s	329
1970s	178
1980s	99
1990s	72
2000s	113
2010s	401
2020s	46

💎With 5,980 total births, Novella is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Novella?

Common

NovNovieNovyElla

What names sound and feel like Novella?

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

Italy · Derived from 'rodo',

Common questions about the name Novella

What does the name Novella mean?

Novella means "Italian" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Novella?

Novella is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Novella?

Novella originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Novella?

Novella is a three-syllable name pronounced N OW0 V EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Novella?

Novella pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italy heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.