Ella is a name of English origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Germanic word 'Alia', which means 'other'. However, Ella is also associated with the Old French word 'elle', meaning 'she'.
The use of the name Ella can be traced back to medieval times when it was used as a diminutive form of names like Eleanor and Elizabeth. In the 19th century, the name Ella became popularized through the works of literary giants such as Lewis Carroll and Edgar Allan Poe. Carroll used the name for one of the characters in his novel 'Through the Looking-Glass', while Poe named his beloved wife as Virginia Clemm Ella.
Over time, Ella has evolved into a standalone given name, no longer used solely as a diminutive form of other names. It has been popular among various cultures and countries, with notable figures such as Ella Fitzgerald, the famous American jazz singer, helping to further popularize its use.
Today, Ella continues to be a beloved name choice for parents seeking a unique yet approachable moniker for their daughters. Its short and sweet sound makes it easily recognizable and appealing, while its historical roots provide a sense of timelessness. The meaning 'other' also adds an intriguing layer of depth to the name, leaving room for interpretation and personal significance.
The name Ella has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1880 and 1930, there were fewer than 3,000 births each year with the name Ella. However, beginning in the late 1930s, there was a steady increase in the number of girls named Ella.
From the 1940s to the 1960s, the number of babies named Ella remained relatively stable, with between 500 and 2,000 births each year. But starting in the late 1980s, there was another significant increase in the popularity of the name Ella.
In the early 1990s, there were around 300 births per year with the name Ella. However, by the mid-2000s, this number had increased to over 9,000 births per year. This trend continued until 2015, when the popularity of the name Ella peaked at nearly 8,200 births.
Since then, the popularity of the name Ella has decreased slightly but has remained relatively stable, with around 7,000-8,000 births per year in recent years. Overall, between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of approximately 340,000 births in the United States with the name Ella.