Aela is of Scottish origin, derived from the surname 'Ailie', which itself comes from the Scottish Gaelic name 'Àile'. In the Scottish Highlands, it was traditionally used as a pet form of Aileen, meaning 'beautiful, fair'. The use of Aela independently as a given name is more recent, with its popularity likely influenced by its similarity to other names like Ella and Bella. It gained notice in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century.
"This name saw a significant increase in popularity over time, with fewer than 10 births per year until 2011, followed by a steady rise reaching 59 births in 2023."