"all, completely"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Ella
Pronunciation: [ EHL-uh ]
Does Ella flow with your last name?
A timeless musical name beloved across cultures and genders
English
German
Hebrew
American
Gentle
Elegant
Classic
Whimsical
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Meaning & Origin
"fairy maiden, elf"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
"God"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily known as a girls name; may receive comments when used for boys
The Story of Ella
Ella is a short form of names with the Germanic element alja (all, completely) like Eleanor and Elspeth, or may derive from the Hebrew El (God). In English, Ella also connects to the Old French aele (fairy maiden) and Old English æl (elf). It was revived as a standalone name in the Victorian era and has become one of the most beloved names worldwide.
Ella has been one of the most popular girls names globally for the past two decades, driven by its simplicity and musical quality. Its use for boys follows the broader gender-neutral naming trend, joining names like Avery, Riley, and Quinn in crossing the gender divide.
Ella Fitzgerald is arguably the most famous bearer of this name, the Queen of Jazz whose vocal mastery redefined American music. In pop culture, Ella is the name of Cinderella in many adaptations, connecting the name to transformation and magic.
Historical Record
Ella first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 232 babies have been named Ella in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ella is past its peak , currently ranked #34,065 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ella Fitzgerald, the Queen of Jazz, is the most famous bearer of this name
- Ella has been a top-20 girls name in the US, UK, and Australia simultaneously
- The name appears in multiple European languages with slightly different origins but the same spelling
Ella in Other Languages
French
Ella
German
Ella
Hebrew
אֵלָּה
Italian
Ella
Spanish
Ella
Popularity Over Time
#34,065
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #34,065
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- English German Hebrew American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
El
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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ella
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ella is also used as a girl name, ranked #30.
View Ella as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ella
What does the name Ella mean?
"all, completely" (from Germanic). "fairy maiden, elf" (from Old English). "God" (from Hebrew). Ella is a short form of names with the Germanic element alja (all, completely) like Eleanor and Elspeth, or may derive from the Hebrew El (God). In English, Ella also connects to the Old French aele (fairy maiden) and Old English æl (elf). It was revived as a standalone name in the Victorian era and has become one of the most beloved names worldwide.
What is the origin of the name Ella?
Ella has Germanic, Old English, Hebrew, English, German, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "all, completely". In Old English, it means "fairy maiden, elf". In Hebrew, it means "God".
Is Ella a boy or girl name?
Ella is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #34065. As a girl name, it is ranked #30. Ella is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Ella?
Ella is pronounced EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Ella?
Ella is currently ranked #34065 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ella?
Popular middle name pairings include Ella James, Ella Thomas, Ella Grey, Ella Bear, Ella Fox, Ella Blue, and Ella Stone.
What are good sibling names for Ella?
Names that pair well with Ella as siblings include Avery, Riley, Quinn, Rowan, Emery, Sage, and Bryn.
How many syllables does Ella have?
Ella has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ella a common or rare name?
Ella is an uncommon name, ranked #34065 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Ella?
About the Name Ella
Ella is a boy name with English, German, Hebrew, and American origins . The name means "all, completely" in Germanic .
Is Ella a boy or girl name? Ella is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #34,065 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #30. Ella is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ella is currently ranked #34,065 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ella has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Ella include El. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ella include Elliot, Elliott, Ellis, Ellison, Ellias . 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