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.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Ella:
From the late 1800s to early 1900s, Ella was quite popular as a baby girl's name in the United States. Between 1880 and 1923, there were over 134,000 babies named Ella at birth.
The peak popularity of the name Ella occurred between 1915 and 1919, with over 29,000 births each year during this period. The highest number of Ella births in a single year was recorded in 1918, with 3,291 babies named Ella.
After the 1920s, the popularity of the name Ella started to decline. By the 1960s and 1970s, there were fewer than 500 babies named Ella each year in the United States.
However, since the late 1980s, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Ella. In recent years (2015-2022), the name Ella has consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular baby girl names in the U.S., with over 7,000 births each year.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been over 339,000 babies named Ella at birth in the United States. This makes Ella one of the most popular and enduring names for baby girls throughout American history.