Bella
Bella first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2010, when 5,136 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 2,129.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Bella popular?
Steady Bella has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2010.
| 2020s | 17,107 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 43,218 | |
| 2000s | 16,828 | |
| 1990s | 854 | |
| 1980s | 195 | |
| 1970s | 236 | |
| 1960s | 227 | |
| 1950s | 305 | |
| 1940s | 235 | |
| 1930s | 363 | |
| 1920s | 1,349 | |
| 1910s | 1,576 | |
| 1900s | 555 | |
| 1890s | 431 | |
| 1880s | 242 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Bella mean?
Directly the Italian/Spanish word bella 'beautiful', from Latin bella/bellus. NOTE: as a given name Bella is most often a short form of Isabella, whose own meaning is 'pledged/devoted to God' (a Hebrew-origin name, NOT beauty); Bella qualifies here only on the strength of the standalone Italian word 'beautiful'.
Names like Bella
italian names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Bella
Popular italian names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Bella
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bella mean?
Bella means Beautiful. Directly the Italian/Spanish word bella 'beautiful', from Latin bella/bellus. NOTE: as a given name Bella is most often a short form of Isabella, whose own meaning is 'pledged/devoted to God' (a Hebrew-origin name, NOT beauty); Bella qualifies here only on the strength of the standalone Italian word 'beautiful'.
What is the origin of the name Bella?
Bella is of italian origin.
How do you pronounce Bella?
Bella is pronounced “BEL-uh.”
Is Bella a boy or a girl name?
Bella is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Bella a popular name right now?
Bella has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2010.
How popular is the name Bella?
In 2025, Bella ranked #136 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Bella most popular?
Bella was most popular in 2010, when about 5,136 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Bella?
Names similar to Bella include Viola, Beatrice, Kiara, Bianca, Aurora.
What names go well with Bella?
italian names that pair well with Bella include Luca, Gianna, Aria, Aurora, Beatrice.