Girl name · Germanic
Ella
“all, completely; light”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Ella.
Explore Ella further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Ella — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Ella is Germanic — from alia, "all, completely" — reinforced by its life as a short form of Eleanor and Ellen, and by the Hebrew-adjacent glow of "light" that folk usage added. Ella Fitzgerald made it swing.
Ella has held the American top 20 since 2011, sitting fifteenth in 2024 — vintage sound, modern economy.
The name is a held note: two syllables that end open and warm. It pairs beautifully with longer middles (Ella Josephine, Ella Genevieve) that give it a melody line. On our vibe map it bridges Soft & Dreamy and Vintage Elegant — jazz standard as name.
More Germanic names
Ella sits in our Germanic set — these share its roots.
All Germanic names →Ella — common questions
Is Ella a boy or girl name?
Ella is traditionally a girl name of Germanic origin. It ranked #29 among US girls' names in 2025.
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella means “all, completely; light” of Germanic origin. Ella is Germanic — from alia, "all, completely" — reinforced by its life as a short form of Eleanor and Ellen, and by the Hebrew-adjacent glow of "light" that folk usage added. Ella Fitzgerald made it swing.
Where does the name Ella come from?
Ella is Germanic in origin. Ella has held the American top 20 since 2011, sitting fifteenth in 2024 — vintage sound, modern economy.
What are common nicknames for Ella?
El and Elly — the short-forms parents most often use for Ella.
How popular is Ella?
Ella ranked #29 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Ella you might want for the nursery.