"oak tree, terebinth"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Ela
Pronunciation: [ EHL-uh ]
Does Ela flow with your last name?
Simple, beautiful, rooted in nature
Turkish
Hebrew
Polish
Scandinavian
Minimalist
Earthy
Gentle
Modern
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Ela
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Meaning & Origin
"hazel, olive color"
Origin: Turkish
Language: Turkish
"short form of Elizabeth"
Origin: Greek via Hebrew
Language: Polish
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The Story of Ela
Ela has multiple distinct origins. In Turkish, it describes a hazel or olive color. In Hebrew, ela (אֵלָה) means oak tree or terebinth tree, a large, sacred tree mentioned in the Bible. In Polish and Slavic traditions, Ela serves as a diminutive of Elżbieta (Elizabeth). This convergence of meanings across cultures gives the name remarkable cross-cultural resonance.
Ela has been rising as parents discover its multicultural appeal. The minimalist two-syllable form fits perfectly with current trends favoring short, melodic names. Its similarity to the popular Ella makes it feel familiar yet distinctive.
In Turkey, ela is commonly used to describe beautiful hazel-colored eyes, making it a term of great beauty. In Hebrew tradition, the Valley of Elah (אֵמֶק הָאֵלָה) is where David defeated Goliath, giving the name biblical resonance.
Historical Record
Ela first appeared in US Social Security records in 1958.
Over 2,377 babies have been named Ela in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ela is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,725 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Turkish poetry, ela is a classic word used to describe beautiful hazel eyes
- The Valley of Elah, named for the oak trees, is one of the most historically significant valleys in Israel
Ela in Other Languages
Arabic
إيلا
German
Ela
Hebrew
אֵלָה
Polish
Ela
Turkish
Ela
Popularity Over Time
#1,725
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ela
E
Ela Bhatt
Activist
1933
Indian social activist and founder of SEWA, one of the world's largest trade unions for informal workers
E
Ela Weber
Musician
German folk musician
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,725
- Total SSA Count
- 118
- Cultural Origins
- Turkish Hebrew Polish Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Polish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ela
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Turkish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ela
What does the name Ela mean?
"oak tree, terebinth" (from Hebrew). "hazel, olive color" (from Turkish). "short form of Elizabeth" (from Greek via Hebrew). Ela has multiple distinct origins. In Turkish, it describes a hazel or olive color. In Hebrew, ela (אֵלָה) means oak tree or terebinth tree, a large, sacred tree mentioned in the Bible. In Polish and Slavic traditions, Ela serves as a diminutive of Elżbieta (Elizabeth). This convergence of meanings across cultures gives the name remarkable cross-cultural resonance.
What is the origin of the name Ela?
Ela has Hebrew, Turkish, Greek via Hebrew, Polish, and Scandinavian origins. In Hebrew, it means "oak tree, terebinth". In Turkish, it means "hazel, olive color". In Greek via Hebrew, it means "short form of Elizabeth".
Is Ela a boy or girl name?
Ela is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ela?
Ela is pronounced EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Ela?
Ela is currently ranked #1725 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ela?
Popular middle name pairings include Ela Grace, Ela Rose, Ela Mae, Ela Jane, Ela Faith, and Ela Sophia.
What are good sibling names for Ela?
Names that pair well with Ela as siblings include Mia, Kai, Aria, Leo, Zara, and Finn.
How many syllables does Ela have?
Ela has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ela a common or rare name?
Ela is an uncommon name, ranked #1725 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Ela?
About the Name Ela
Ela is a girl name with Turkish, Hebrew, Polish, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "oak tree, terebinth" in Hebrew .
Ela is currently ranked #1,725 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ela has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Ela include Elaina, Elaine, Elani, Elara, Elayna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis