Ella
“Derived from Eleanor and Helen, meaning 'bright' or 'shining one' in Greek. Ella gained prominence in the early 1900s and experienced a major revival in the 2000s, becoming one of the most beloved names globally. The name has a lilting, musical quality and suggests both elegance and approachability.”
Ella is a girl's name of Greek origin. Derived from Eleanor and Helen, meaning 'bright' or 'shining one' in Greek. Ella gained prominence in the early 1900s and experienced a major revival in the 2000s, becoming one of the most beloved names globally. The name has a lilting, musical quality and suggests both elegance and approachability.
Consistently in the top 10 names for girls in the US and UK since 2010; also associated with the fairy tale character Cinderella.
The name Ella has roots in the Greek language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “Derived from Eleanor and Helen, meaning 'bright' or 'shining one' in Greek”.
Cultural context: Consistently in the top 10 names for girls in the US and UK since 2010; also associated with the fairy tale character Cinderella.
As a girl's name, Ella carries the character of its Greek heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Ella Enchanted
FictionalProtagonist of Ella Enchanted; cursed with obedience but fights for agency
Protagonist of Gail Carson Levine's novel who is cursed with obedience but must overcome her magical constraint to save her kingdom and find love.
From: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Ella Balinska
EntertainmentBritishJane Kano in Charlie's Angels (2019); Resident Evil series
British-Polish actress and model known for her role as Jane Kano in Charlie's Angels (2019) and her television appearances in Resident Evil and other series.
1997 – present
Ella Fitzgerald
EntertainmentAmericanJazz legend; 'First Lady of Song'; master of scat singing
Legendary jazz vocalist considered one of the greatest singers of all time, famous for her innovative scat singing and timeless recordings of the American songbook.
1917 – 1996
Ella Maillart
HistoricalSwissTravel writer, photographer, and adventurer; pioneer of travel journalism
Swiss traveler, photographer, and writer known for her adventurous journeys across Central Asia and her pioneering work as a female travel correspondent and documentarian.
1903 – 1997
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Arts & LiteratureAmericanPoet; author of 'Solitude'; inspirational verse
American poet and writer best known for her inspirational and romantic poetry, particularly 'Solitude,' which became one of the most widely published poems of her era.
1850 – 1919
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella means "Derived from Eleanor and Helen, meaning 'bright' or 'shining one' in Greek. Ella gained prominence in the early 1900s and experienced a major revival in the 2000s, becoming one of the most beloved names globally. The name has a lilting, musical quality and suggests both elegance and approachability.", and is of Greek origin.
Is Ella a girl name?
Ella is primarily used as a girl's name.
What is the origin of the name Ella?
Ella is of Greek origin. Consistently in the top 10 names for girls in the US and UK since 2010; also associated with the fairy tale character Cinderella.