Della
Della is a girl name of German origin meaning “Noble”, pronounced DEL-ah. It ranked #563 in the United States in 2025, given to 533 babies, and peaked at #60 in 1881. Common nicknames: Dell, Dee.
How popular is Della 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 Della mean, and where does it come from?
Della began as a short form of Adela, Adelaide and Delia, from the Germanic adal, "noble," and was common enough on its own to stand at 60th place for American girls in 1881. It spent most of the twentieth century out of fashion and is rising again sharply, in the company of Nell, Hattie and Etta. O. Henry gave it to the wife in The Gift of the Magi; Della Reese carried it through a long career in gospel, jazz and television. It is the kind of name that sounds like it was always waiting to come back.
How is Della used around the world?
Della is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Della?
Famous People Named Della
- Della Reese — American singer and actress, star of Touched by an Angel
- Della Sowah — Ghanaian politician
- Della H. Raney — first African American nurse commissioned in the US Army Nurse Corps
Similar Names to Della
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Sibling Name Ideas for Della
Looking for names that pair well with Della? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Della mean?
Della is a girl name of German origin meaning "Noble." Della began as a short form of Adela, Adelaide and Delia, from the Germanic adal, "noble," and was common enough on its own to stand at 60th place for American girls in 1881. It spent most of the twentieth century out of fashion and is rising again sharply, in the company of Nell, Hattie and Etta.
How do you pronounce Della?
Della is pronounced DEL-ah. Common variations include Adela, Adella, Delia.
Is Della a girl name?
Yes, Della is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Dell, Dee.