Ella
Ella first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2010, when 9,884 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 5,831.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Ella popular?
Declining Ella is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2010 peak.
| 2020s | 37,920 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 85,922 | |
| 2000s | 67,544 | |
| 1990s | 3,897 | |
| 1980s | 1,576 | |
| 1970s | 2,096 | |
| 1960s | 5,176 | |
| 1950s | 11,038 | |
| 1940s | 15,977 | |
| 1930s | 19,962 | |
| 1920s | 29,521 | |
| 1910s | 24,913 | |
| 1900s | 14,763 | |
| 1890s | 17,072 | |
| 1880s | 13,936 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Ella mean?
From a Germanic root meaning “all” or “other,” and also read in Norman use as “fairy maiden.”
Nicknames for Ella
- Ellie
- Elle
Variants & spellings
- Ela
Names like Ella
Germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Ella
Popular Germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Ella
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella means All; fairy maiden. From a Germanic root meaning “all” or “other,” and also read in Norman use as “fairy maiden.”
What is the origin of the name Ella?
Ella is of Germanic origin.
How do you pronounce Ella?
Ella is pronounced “EL-uh.”
Is Ella a boy or a girl name?
Ella is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Ella a popular name right now?
Ella is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2010 peak.
How popular is the name Ella?
In 2025, Ella ranked #29 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Ella most popular?
Ella was most popular in 2010, when about 9,884 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Ella?
Common nicknames for Ella include Ellie, Elle.
What names are similar to Ella?
Names similar to Ella include Ellie, Emma, Bella, Stella.
What names go well with Ella?
Germanic names that pair well with Ella include Robert, William, Charles, Emma, Walter.