Ella: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced EL-uh · 2 syllables
Ella means “all, complete”, from Germanic.
A 19th-century shortening of Eleanor or Ellen, later also used for any name ending in -ella, such as Gabriella or Daniella. Similar abbreviations have been formed independently in many European languages, for any name containing the syllable -el-, e.g. Elisabeth.
- Meaning
- all, complete
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- EL-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #29
- US babies a year
- about 6,112 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback
How popular is Ella?
Ella was the #29 name in the US in 2025, given to 5,831 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 30% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
Most popular in North Dakota (#7).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #29 |
| England & Wales | #16 |
| Scotland | #7 |
| Northern Ireland | #10 |
| Ireland | #18 |
| France | #70 |
| Norway | #4 |
| Canada | #33 |
| Australia | #11 |
How old are people named Ella?
Half of US adults named Ella are older than 22; most are between 18 and 85. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Ella
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Ella have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Ella
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- The most popular girl names in the US
- Vintage girl names
- Comeback girl names
- Germanic girl names
- Short baby names (4 letters or fewer)
Questions about Ella
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella means “all, complete”. It comes from Germanic.
How do you pronounce Ella?
Ella is pronounced EL-uh.
How popular is the name Ella?
Ella was the #29 name in the US in 2025, given to 5,831 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 30% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Ella?
Half of US adults named Ella are older than 22. Most are between 18 and 85.