Tela

“canvas”

Spanish origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#1490US 2023

710Births / yr

→Stable

700All-time births

📅 Since 189400

How to pronounce Tela

TEE·LAH

/ˈtiː.ˈlɑ/ · stress on TEE · 2 syllables

“canvas”

Spanish origin · Unisex name

What does Tela mean and where does it come from?

Tela is a name of both Spanish and English origin, meaning 'canvas' or 'fabric'. It reflects artistic and creative connotations, perhaps linked with textiles and artistry. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name can evoke images of softness and texture. Tela is relatively uncommon as a given name bu

Cultural significance

Tela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of canvas.

Peak popularity

Reached #1700 in 1894 — currently #1490 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Tela?

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

Tela Grace

How popular is Tela right now?

Holding steady — currently #1490 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#1490 · Top 1.1%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1490	710	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1495	690	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1500	660	▲ up 13030 · +10900% births
2015	#14530	6	▲ up 493
2010	#15023	6	▼ down 6670 · -54% births
2005	#8353	13	▼ down 745
2000	#7608	13	▼ down 54 · +18% births
1995	#7554	11	▼ down 2670 · -42% births
1990	#4884	19	▼ down 2623 · -58% births
1985	#2261	45	▲ up 4109 · +350% births
1980	#6370	10	▼ down 2295 · -29% births
1970	#4075	14	▲ up 1289 · +100% births
1965	#5364	7	▼ down 868 · -22% births
1960	#4496	9	▲ up 1479 · +80% births
1955	#5975	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tela

Best Year2023Rank #1490

Peak Count710

Average Rank#6065

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1955 - 202315 years

The story of Tela

Tela has been a beloved American name for over 130 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1894. With 700 total births recorded, Tela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5975 in 1955 to #1490 in 2023. Tela is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Tela in 1894:

Mary Anna Margaret Helen Elizabeth

Tela by decade

Tela peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1940s	12
1950s	22
1960s	84
1970s	82
1980s ★	195
1990s	168
2000s	98
2010s	34

💎Tela has only 700 total recorded births since 1894 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tela?

Common

TelTelieTely

Famous people named Tela

Tela (Spanish royal)

Tela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.

Tela (Flamenco artist)

Tela carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.

Tela (Latin American historical figure)

Tela used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

Tela (Spanish royal)

Tela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Tela?

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

Telma

Spanish · Derived from the

African · derived from the

Pela

Indigenous Canadian · Indigenous Canadian

Gela

Georgia · language: Gela means

Telsa

American · From the name

Kela

American · Pure, clear

Common questions about the name Tela

What does the name Tela mean?

Tela means "canvas" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Tela?

Tela is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Tela?

Tela originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Tela?

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

Is Tela a common or rare name?

Tela is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.