Ella
Fairy maiden / foreign — a girl name of Germanic / Old English origin
Popularity of Ella in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Ella
Ella has roots in Old Germanic, where it relates to an element sometimes glossed as "fairy maiden," and in Old English "Ælle," a name borne by early Anglo-Saxon kings. It also functions historically as a short form of Ellen, Eleanor, or Helen. Ella has surged to become one of the most beloved short, vowel-ending names for girls internationally, prized for its simplicity and warmth.
Ella Around the World
Ella is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Ella
Famous People Named Ella
- Ella Fitzgerald — legendary American jazz vocalist known as the "First Lady of Song"
- Ella Baker — American civil rights and human rights activist
- Ella Purnell — British actress known for "Yellowjackets" and "Fallout"
Similar Names to Ella
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ella
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella is a girl name of Germanic / Old English origin meaning "Fairy maiden / foreign." Ella has roots in Old Germanic, where it relates to an element sometimes glossed as "fairy maiden," and in Old English "Ælle," a name borne by early Anglo-Saxon kings. It also functions historically as a short form of Ellen, Eleanor, or Helen.
How do you pronounce Ella?
Ella is pronounced EL-uh. Common variations include Elle, Elah, Ellah.
Is Ella a girl name?
Yes, Ella is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ellie, El.
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