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Name meaning & originElla

/EL-ah/

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Ella is a Germanic, Hebrew girl's name pronounced /EL-ah/. Ella is a bright and beautiful name meaning 'all', 'completely', or 'goddess'.

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Meaning of Ella

Ella is a bright and beautiful name meaning 'all', 'completely', or 'goddess'.

In its Germanic roots, it originated as a short form of names containing the element 'al', meaning 'all' or 'other', and was introduced to England by the Normans. In Hebrew, it is a modern name referring to a goddess or a terebinth tree. It also serves as a common diminutive for names like Eleanor, Elizabeth, or Isabella.

Origin
Germanic, Hebrew
Pronunciation
/EL-ah/

Cultural background

The name is highly popular across Western Europe, North America, and Australia, often associated with a vintage yet modern elegance.

Variations & nicknames

  • Elle
  • Ellie
  • Ella-Rose
  • Elia
  • Alia

Famous people named Ella

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Ella Fitzgerald

    Renowned jazz singer known as the First Lady of Song

    Music · 20th Century

  • Ella Purnell

    British actress known for roles in 'Fallout' and 'Yellowjackets'

    Film · 21st Century

  • Ella Baker

    Influential African-American civil rights activist

    Politics · 20th Century

  • Ella Enchanted

    Protagonist of the popular fantasy novel and film

    Literature · 20th/21st Century

  • Ella Henderson

    British singer and songwriter

    Music · 21st Century

Frequently asked about Ella

Is Ella a nickname or a full name?
While it began as a diminutive for names like Eleanor or Isabella, it has been an established independent given name for centuries.
What does the name Ella mean in Spanish?
In Spanish, 'ella' is the pronoun for 'she', though it is not typically used as a given name in Spanish-speaking cultures for this reason.
Is the name Ella related to Cinderella?
Yes, in the famous fairy tale, the character's name is actually Ella, and 'Cinder' was added as a cruel nickname by her stepsisters.

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