Nela is a unique and beautiful name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Czech and Slovak feminine given name Nela, which means "dream." The name has a melodic and enchanting sound to it, fitting for a girl who is sweet and captivating.
The name Nela is believed to have originated in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where it is quite popular. It is also used in other Slavic countries such as Poland, Croatia, and Serbia. In some variations of the name, Nela is considered a diminutive form of the name Nelida or Helen, meaning "torch" or "light."
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Nela. One of the most famous was Nela Pavlovic, a Serbian pianist who was known for her virtuosic technique and emotional depth in her performances. Another notable figure was Nela Lankhoon, a Thai actress and model who gained fame for her roles in various television dramas and films.
The name Nela has also been featured in literature and popular culture. In the novel "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen, one of the main characters is named Nela, and in the video game "Kingdom Hearts," there is a character named Nela who plays an important role in the story.
Overall, Nela is a unique and enchanting name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning of "dream" adds to its appeal, making it a beautiful choice for a girl's name.
The name Nela has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the past century in the United States. While it was not particularly common, there were periods where it gained some traction.
In the early 20th century, between 1903 and 1928, Nela saw an average of 6 births per year, with peaks in 1917 (12 births) and 1922 (11 births). However, it was not until the 1940s that the name started to gain more popularity, with an average of 7 births per year from 1943 to 1953.
The 1960s and 1980s saw a dip in popularity for Nela, with only 5 births each year in 1964 and 1986. However, it started to pick up again in the late 1990s, with 7 births in 2000.
Since then, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of Nela. From 2004 onwards, the number of births has consistently stayed above 10 each year, reaching a peak of 27 births in 2023. This shows that while Nela may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence and gained some popularity over time.
In total, there have been 571 births with the name Nela in the United States since 1903.