"noble, of noble birth"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Della
Pronunciation: [ d-EHL-uh ]
Does Della flow with your last name?
A golden-era gem making a graceful comeback
English
American
Italian
Vintage
Playful
Gentle
Classic
Elegant
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Della
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"bright, shining"
Origin: Old High German
Language: German
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The Story of Della
Della is primarily a diminutive of Adela or Adele, derived from the Germanic 'adal' meaning noble or of noble birth. It can also stand independently as a variant of the Italian 'della' meaning 'of the,' suggesting a place or characteristic. In the American South, Della was a popular standalone name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carried by many strong women of the era.
Della peaked in early 20th-century America and is now experiencing a modern revival as part of the broader trend for soft vintage names ending in 'a.' It sits in sweet company with Vera, Iris, Mabel, and Pearl — names that feel both old-fashioned and freshly wearable. Singer Della Reese and Della Street from Perry Mason kept the name in cultural memory.
Della Street, Perry Mason's loyal secretary, made the name synonymous with sharp, capable professionalism in mid-20th century American pop culture. In O. Henry's famous story 'The Gift of the Magi,' Della is the devoted young wife who sacrifices her hair for love — a touching portrait that gives the name gentle literary resonance.
Historical Record
Della first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 18,734 babies have been named Della in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Della is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #579 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Della is the name of the loving heroine in O. Henry's 'The Gift of the Magi' (1905)
- Della Reese was a pioneering Black actress and gospel-pop singer who starred in Touched by an Angel
- The name has resurged sharply since 2015 as part of a vintage revival alongside names like Vera and Mabel
Della in Other Languages
French
Adèle
German
Adela
Italian
Della
Spanish
Adela
Popularity Over Time
#579
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Della
D
Della Reese
Musician
1931
American gospel and pop singer and actress, best known for the TV series Touched by an Angel
D
Della Street Fictional
Other
Perry Mason's brilliant legal secretary in the long-running TV series, embodiment of capable, sharp professionalism
D
Della (O. Henry) Fictional
Other
The devoted young wife in O. Henry's beloved Christmas story 'The Gift of the Magi' (1905)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #579
- Total SSA Count
- 518
- Cultural Origins
- English American Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Dell
Dee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Della
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Della is also used as a boy name, ranked #14461.
View Della as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Della
What does the name Della mean?
"noble, of noble birth" (from Germanic). "bright, shining" (from Old High German). Della is primarily a diminutive of Adela or Adele, derived from the Germanic 'adal' meaning noble or of noble birth. It can also stand independently as a variant of the Italian 'della' meaning 'of the,' suggesting a place or characteristic. In the American South, Della was a popular standalone name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carried by many strong women of the era.
What is the origin of the name Della?
Della has Germanic, Old High German, English, American, and Italian origins. In Germanic, it means "noble, of noble birth". In Old High German, it means "bright, shining".
Is Della a boy or girl name?
Della is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #579. As a boy name, it is ranked #14461. Della is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Della?
Della is pronounced d-EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Della?
Della is currently ranked #579 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Della?
Common nicknames for Della include Dell and Dee.
What are good middle names for Della?
Popular middle name pairings include Della Rose, Della June, Della Mae, Della Pearl, Della Grace, Della Jean, and Della Claire.
What are good sibling names for Della?
Names that pair well with Della as siblings include Vera, Mabel, Walter, Ralph, Pearl, Bea, and Clifford.
How many syllables does Della have?
Della has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Della a common or rare name?
Della is moderately common, ranked #579 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Della
Della is a girl name with English, American, and Italian origins . The name means "noble, of noble birth" in Germanic .
Is Della a boy or girl name? Della is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #579 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,461. Della is more commonly used as a girl name.
Della is currently ranked #579 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Della has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Della include Dell and Dee. 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