Finding the perfect baby name can be a tough task for parents. They love the name Ella but want to consider other options that have a similar feel and sound. Names like Ella are popular for good reason because they’re short, sweet, and easy to pronounce.
Parents need not worry about running out of choices. There are many beautiful alternatives that capture the same charm as Ella but offer something a bit different for their little one.
This blog presents various names like Ella that parents will love. Each name shares qualities with Ella while having its own special character. Readers will find classic picks, modern options, and hidden gems that might be just right for their baby girl.
Meaning and Origin of Names Like Ella
The name Ella has a rich history that spans across multiple cultures and languages. Most commonly, Ella comes from Germanic origins and means “all” or “completely.”
In some cultures, it’s considered a diminutive form of Eleanor or Ellen.
The name has gained steady popularity in recent decades because of its simple elegance and gentle sound. Parents often choose names like Ella for their melodic quality and timeless appeal.
Germanic origins
Names with Germanic roots similar to Ella include Emma, which means “universal” or “whole,” and Ella’s close relative Ellen, meaning “bright, shining one.”
These names share not just sound qualities but also cultural heritage with Ella. Parents who value traditional naming practices often find comfort in these historically rich options that have stood the test of time.
Shortened Forms
Many parents enjoy Bella, a shortened form of Isabella that means “beautiful” in Italian and Spanish. Similarly, Stella comes from Latin and means “star,” offering a lovely option with the same ending sound as Ella.
These shorter versions carry the same musical quality while giving babies names with strong, clear meanings that grow well with them into adulthood.
Similar Sounds
Nella, which means “shining light,” and Della, meaning “noble,” both share the musical “ella” ending that makes these names flow nicely when spoken.
They offer the same rhythm in speech while giving a slightly different starting sound. The “ella” sound has a natural lilt that many find pleasing to the ear and easy for young children to say as they learn to speak.
Meaning-Based Alternatives
Names that share similar positive meanings include Nora, which means “light” or “honor,” and Mila, meaning “gracious” or “dear one.” These names may sound different but carry equally beautiful meanings for a baby girl.
Parents who value meaning over sound often find that these alternatives give their children names with depth and significance while still maintaining a gentle quality.
Beautiful Names Like Ella You’ll Love
Choosing the perfect name for a little one can be a delightful yet challenging task. For parents who love the elegant charm of names like Ella, there are plenty of beautiful alternatives that carry a similar melodic feel.
Doesn’t matter if you’re seeking something timeless or modern, this collection of names offers a range of beautiful choices for your bundle of joy.
1. Bella
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Origin: Italian, Latin
- Popularity: Highly popular in the U.S. and worldwide.
2. Stella
- Meaning: Star
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: A classic name that has maintained steady popularity.
3. Isla
- Meaning: Island
- Origin: Spanish, Scottish
- Popularity: Gaining popularity, especially in English-speaking countries.
4. Ella-Rose
- Meaning: Ella (Light, beautiful) + Rose (Flower)
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rose names are popular, with Ella gaining widespread appeal.
5. Vella
- Meaning: Little Veil
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Less common but charming.
6. Zella
- Meaning: Happy, blessed
- Origin: German
- Popularity: Rare but unique, popular with parents looking for uncommon names.
7. Tella
- Meaning: To see, to witness
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Uncommon but has a distinctive sound.
8. Lyla
- Meaning: Night; dark beauty
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity in the U.S.
9. Lila
- Meaning: Night; beauty; play
- Origin: Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in the U.S. and Europe.
10. Amella
- Meaning: Work; striving
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare and elegant.
11. Melia
- Meaning: A flower; Ash tree
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Uncommon but recognized for its beauty.
12. Selah
- Meaning: Pause and reflect
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Gaining some popularity due to its biblical connection.
13. Anella
- Meaning: Grace
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Rare but unique.
14. Marcella
- Meaning: Warlike, strong
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Classic name with moderate usage.
15. Gabriella
- Meaning: God is my strength
- Origin: Hebrew, Italian
- Popularity: Popular, especially in the U.S. and Italy.
16. Ariella
- Meaning: Lion of God
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Increasing in popularity, especially in the U.S.
17. Novella
- Meaning: New; a short story
- Origin: Italian, Latin
- Popularity: Uncommon, but growing in popularity for those seeking a distinctive name.
18. Elara
- Meaning: Bright; shining
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare and unique.
19. Marella
- Meaning: Little Sea
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Rare, but has a lovely, melodic sound.
20. Della
- Meaning: Noble, kind
- Origin: German
- Popularity: Uncommon but gaining some traction.
21. Nella
- Meaning: Shining light
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Rare, but unique and simple.
22. Grella
- Meaning: Green, fresh
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Very rare, but distinct.
23. Orla
- Meaning: Golden princess
- Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Uncommon, but has a sweet charm.
24. Elora
- Meaning: God gives the crown
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare but gaining popularity due to its soft and elegant sound.
25. Carabella
- Meaning: Beloved
- Origin: Italian, Spanish
- Popularity: Rare and unique, offering an elegant choice.
26. Sorella
- Meaning: Sister
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Rare and charming.
27. Fiella
- Meaning: Little faith
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Very rare.
28. Aurella
- Meaning: Golden; dawn
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but beautiful.
29. Chelle
- Meaning: A short form of Michelle, meaning “Who is like God?”
- Origin: French
- Popularity: Rare as a standalone name, but Michelle is widely popular.
30. Lynella
- Meaning: From the meadow
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Very rare but unique.
31. Vella-Rose
- Meaning: Little Veil + Rose (Flower)
- Origin: English, Latin
- Popularity: Rare, but has an elegant vibe.
32. Elliana
- Meaning: God has answered
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in recent years.
33. Marilla
- Meaning: Bright, shining sea
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Uncommon but charming.
34. Livella
- Meaning: Joyful, lively
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Very rare, but fun and lively.
35. Jolilla
- Meaning: A form of Joy
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare, but charming and playful.
36. Lyanna
- Meaning: Graceful, tender
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Gaining popularity due to its connection to pop culture.
37. Vevella
- Meaning: Youthful, lively
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Very rare, but elegant.
38. Zarella
- Meaning: Golden, fair
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Very rare and unique.
39. Rosella
- Meaning: Little rose
- Origin: Italian
- Popularity: Rare but has a timeless feel.
40. Selina
- Meaning: Moon
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Moderate in popularity.
41. Arabella
- Meaning: Yielding to prayer
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Gaining popularity in recent years.
42. Evelina
- Meaning: Life, bird
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Moderately popular.
43. Evella
- Meaning: A variation of Evelina, meaning “Life”
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare, but beautiful.
44. Marisella
- Meaning: Star of the sea
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare and elegant.
45. Sarabella
- Meaning: Beautiful princess
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare, but has an old-world charm.
46. Leanna
- Meaning: Graceful, merciful
- Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: A classic name with steady use.
47. Eleanora
- Meaning: Shining light
- Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Classic, with renewed interest.
48. Florabella
- Meaning: Beautiful flower
- Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare but sounds very romantic.
49. Jorella
- Meaning: A combination of Joy and Ella
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare, unique, and fresh.
Iconic Ellas Who Made Their Mark on History
Throughout history, many women named Ella have left their mark on various fields and industries. These notable figures have shown that the name carries a certain strength and character.
Parents who choose this name or names like Ella for their daughters may find inspiration in these successful women.
Their stories showcase how individuals with this beautiful name have shaped culture, music, and society through their talents and contributions.
| Name | Profession | Notable Contributions | Claim to Fame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ella Fitzgerald | Singer | Jazz vocalist known for her pure tone, impeccable diction, and ability to sing scat | Won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums during her career as “The First Lady of Song” |
| Ella Baker | Civil Rights Activist | Worked behind the scenes organizing for the NAACP and helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee | Her grassroots approach to activism changed how civil rights work was done in America |
| Ella Wheeler Wilcox | Poet | Author of poetry collections including “Poems of Passion” and “Solitude” | Her line “Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone” became one of the most quoted poems in America |
| Ella Maillart | Explorer and Writer | Swiss travel writer who journeyed through Asia in the 1930s and 1940s | Her books and photographs documented cultures and regions rarely seen by Western eyes at that time |
| Ella Purnell | Actress | Star of hit shows like “Yellowjackets” and “Fallout,” plus voice acting in “Arcane” | Rose to prominence with versatile roles across genres and was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for her acting talent |
Wrapping It Up
Finding names like Ella offers parents a world of beautiful options. The blend of simplicity and grace in these names creates lasting appeal for little girls. Parents who love the gentle sound of Ella but want something slightly different now have plenty of choices to consider.
The names shared in this blog connect to various cultural backgrounds while maintaining the charm that made Ella so popular. Each alternative brings its own history and meaning, allowing families to select a name that fits their unique story.
Names like Ella will continue to charm parents with their musical qualities and timeless feel.
Whether parents choose a name based on sound, meaning, or cultural heritage, these alternatives give their daughters names that can grow with them from childhood into adulthood with grace and style.
