"angel, divine messenger"
Origin: Greek via Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Anela
Does Anela flow with your last name?
Hawaiian for angel — pure, melodic, and radiant
Hawaiian
Polynesian
Gentle
Spiritual
Earthy
Elegant
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"heavenly messenger"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
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The Story of Anela
Anela is the Hawaiian adaptation of Angela, derived from the Greek 'angelos' meaning messenger or angel. In Hawaiian, the word 'anela' literally translates as 'angel,' and the name carries the spiritual warmth of island culture blended with Christian missionary influence. Hawaii's rich tradition of adapting foreign names to fit its phonological patterns gave rise to Anela as a genuinely Hawaiian name.
Anela has grown beyond Hawaii as interest in Hawaiian names and island culture has spread internationally. Its melodic, vowel-rich sound and profoundly positive meaning attract parents seeking a spiritual name with an exotic, sun-drenched quality that feels both accessible and distinctive.
In Hawaiian culture, the concept of angels blends traditional Polynesian spirituality with the Christian influence brought by 19th-century missionaries. The Hawaiian language, with only 13 letters and its inherent musicality, gives Anela a particular beauty that represents Hawaii's unique cultural synthesis.
Historical Record
Anela first appeared in US Social Security records in 1959.
Over 1,735 babies have been named Anela in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Anela is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,020 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters — 5 vowels and 8 consonants — giving the language its distinctive musical quality
- Anela is one of the earliest Hawaiian adaptations of a Christian/Greek name
- Hawaii's names are the longest on average of any US state due to the Hawaiian language's unique structure
Anela in Other Languages
Greek
Άγγελος
French
Angèle
Italian
Angela
Spanish
Ángela
Hawaiian
Anela
Popularity Over Time
#3,020
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Anela with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,020
- Total SSA Count
- 54
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Polynesian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Nela
Ani
Ela
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Anela
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Hawaiian origin
"heavenly moonlight, sky beauty"
#2,953 in US
Calani
Girl
Hawaiian origin
"the heavens, sky"
#2,960 in US
Kayloni
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Hawaiian origin
"the heavens, sky and sea"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anela
What does the name Anela mean?
"angel, divine messenger" (from Greek via Hawaiian). "heavenly messenger" (from Greek). Anela is the Hawaiian adaptation of Angela, derived from the Greek 'angelos' meaning messenger or angel. In Hawaiian, the word 'anela' literally translates as 'angel,' and the name carries the spiritual warmth of island culture blended with Christian missionary influence. Hawaii's rich tradition of adapting foreign names to fit its phonological patterns gave rise to Anela as a genuinely Hawaiian name.
What is the origin of the name Anela?
Anela has Greek via Hawaiian, Greek, Hawaiian, and Polynesian origins. In Greek via Hawaiian, it means "angel, divine messenger". In Greek, it means "heavenly messenger".
Is Anela a boy or girl name?
Anela is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Anela?
Anela is currently ranked #3020 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Anela?
Common nicknames for Anela include Nela, Ani, and Ela.
What are good middle names for Anela?
Popular middle name pairings include Anela Kai, Anela Lani, Anela Marie, Anela Rose, Anela Grace, Anela Jade, and Anela Luna.
What are good sibling names for Anela?
Names that pair well with Anela as siblings include Kai, Leilani, Koa, Malia, Nalu, Mia, and Keanu.
How many syllables does Anela have?
Anela has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Anela a common or rare name?
Anela is an uncommon name, ranked #3020 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Anela
Anela is a girl name with Hawaiian and Polynesian origins . The name means "angel, divine messenger" in Greek via Hawaiian .
Anela is currently ranked #3,020 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Anela has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Anela include Nela, Ani, and Ela. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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