What does Xela mean and where does it come from?
Xela is a name that originates from the K'iche' Maya language, specifically referring to 'a place of well'. It is notably the name used by locals for the city of Quetzaltenango in Guatemala. In contemporary usage, Xela is increasingly popular among young parents in the US and other countries due to
Cultural significance
Xela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Guatemala-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the name of a well.
Peak popularity
Reached #6130 in 2018 — currently #4446 in the US.
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Related Reading
Guatemala-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Xela?
Xela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Xela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Xela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Xela Claire
French influence · crisp
Xela Jane
Literary · strong
Xela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Xela right now?
Falling — down 750 spots — currently #4446 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4446 | 32 | ▼ down 750 · -24% births |
| 2022 | #3696 | 42 | ▲ up 711 · +31% births |
| 2021 | #4407 | 32 | ▲ up 4214 · +167% births |
| 2020 | #8621 | 12 | ▲ up 1901 · +20% births |
| 2015 | #10522 | 10 | ▲ up 3668 · +43% births |
| 2010 | #14190 | 7 | ▲ up 3631 · +40% births |
| 2005 | #17821 | 5 | ▼ down 5010 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #12811 | 7 | ▲ up 2926 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #15737 | 5 | — |
The story of Xela
Xela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 212 total births recorded, Xela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15737 in 1995 to #4446 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Xela in 2018:
💎Xela has only 212 total recorded births since 1995 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Xela?
What names sound and feel like Xela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Xela also consider these
Common questions about the name Xela
What does the name Xela mean?
Xela means "the name of a well" — a name rooted in Guatemala 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 Xela?
Xela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Xela have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Xela?
Xela originates from Guatemala tradition. Guatemala names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Xela trending right now?
Xela is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Xela a common or rare name?
Xela is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.