Bella
Bella is a girl name of Italian origin meaning “Beautiful”, pronounced BEL-uh. It ranked #136 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,129 babies, and peaked at #48 in 2010. Common nicknames: Bell, Ellie, Bee.
How popular is Bella in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Bella mean, and where does it come from?
Bella is an Italian word meaning "beautiful" and has been used as both a standalone name and a diminutive of names like Isabella, Arabella, and Annabella. As an independent name, Bella has roots in multiple European languages, all connected to the concept of beauty. The name gained renewed global popularity after the Twilight series featured the protagonist Bella Swan, bringing it to the forefront of modern naming trends. Its simplicity, warmth, and cross-cultural appeal have made it a perennial favourite. Bella also carries echoes of the French "belle," reinforcing its beautiful connotation across Romance languages.
How is Bella used around the world?
Bella is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Bella?
Famous People Named Bella
- Bella Hadid — American supermodel
- Bella Abzug — American politician and activist
- Bella Thorne — American actress and singer
Similar Names to Bella
If you like Bella, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Bella
Looking for names that pair well with Bella? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bella mean?
Bella is a girl name of Italian origin meaning "Beautiful." Bella is an Italian word meaning "beautiful" and has been used as both a standalone name and a diminutive of names like Isabella, Arabella, and Annabella. As an independent name, Bella has roots in multiple European languages, all connected to the concept of beauty.
How do you pronounce Bella?
Bella is pronounced BEL-uh. Common variations include Belle, Bela, Belia.
Is Bella a girl name?
Yes, Bella is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Bell, Ellie, Bee.