Clella is a unique and intriguing feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning can be attributed to two distinct sources, both with significant historical and cultural significance.
The first interpretation derives Clella from the Greek word "kleos," which translates to "fame" or "glory." This name was likely bestowed upon individuals in ancient Greece as a wish for them to achieve great renown and distinction throughout their lives. In this context, Clella could be seen as a name that carries with it high expectations and aspirations.
The second origin story for Clella is connected to the Greek nymph Kleitho, who was a companion of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, the wilderness, the Moon, and chastity. According to some sources, Clella may have been an alternate spelling or variant of Kleitho's name. This association imbues the name with a sense of mystique, beauty, and connection to nature.
Throughout history, there are few instances where individuals named Clella appear in historical records or legendary tales, which contributes to its rarity and distinctive character today. One notable example is Clella von Stauffenberg (1894-1976), the sister of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, a German Army officer who played a key role in the failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944.
In summary, Clella is an uncommon yet captivating feminine given name with roots in ancient Greek culture and mythology. Its meaning, whether derived from "kleos" or associated with Kleitho, conveys a sense of distinction, aspiration, mystique, or natural beauty. Despite its rarity throughout history, the name Clella holds considerable charm and appeal for those interested in unique and meaningful names with deep cultural roots.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Clella in the United States between 1885 and 1958, it appears that this name was relatively uncommon during most of this period. However, there were a few notable peaks in its popularity.
The earliest peak occurred between 1892 and 1896, with an average of about nine births per year during these five years. The next significant peak happened from 1904 to 1915, with an average of approximately fifteen births per year over this eleven-year span. This period saw the highest number of Clella births overall, totaling 283 out of the 887 recorded births during the entire time frame.
Interestingly, there was another peak in popularity for the name Clella from 1940 to 1958, with an average of about eight births per year over this nearly two-decade period. This era accounted for 263 out of all Clella births during the given years.
It's worth noting that despite these periods of increased popularity, Clella was still not a common name by any means. In fact, there were several years where fewer than five babies named Clella were born in the United States. For example, between 1954 and 1958, only seven babies with this name were born in total.
In conclusion, while Clella may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States during the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, it did experience some periods of increased usage. However, its popularity remained relatively low overall throughout this time frame.