ThinkabaraElla: meaning and origin
Ella
“All, completely; also a short form of Eleanor”
About the name Ella
Ella is a girl’s name from the German tradition. Its meaning is “all, completely; also a short form of Eleanor”. Names from Old German (Germanic) roots, often about strength, nobility and fame — like William, Henry, Emma and Matilda.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More German names
- Adeline 👧Noble · German
- Alice 👧Noble · German
- Amelia 👧Work; industrious and hardworking · German
- Caroline 👧Free; a feminine form of Charles · German
- Charlie 🧒Free; a short form of Charles and Charlotte · German
- Elsa 👧My God is an oath; a short form of Elisabeth · German
- Emerson 🧒Son of Emery · German
- Emery 🧒Brave, powerful · German
- Emma 👧Whole, universal · German
- Frieda 👧Peace · German
- Greta 👧Pearl; a short form of Margaret · German
- Heidi 👧Noble · German
Sibling name ideas (German, boys)
- Charles 👦Free man · German
- Emmett 👦Whole, universal · German
- Everett 👦Brave as a wild boar · German
- Frederick 👦Peaceful ruler · German
- Henry 👦Ruler of the home · German
- Hugo 👦Mind, heart, spirit · German
- Otto 👦Wealth, fortune · German
- Robert 👦Bright fame · German
More girl names starting with E
- Eden 👧Delight; the Garden of Eden · Hebrew
- Eleanor 👧Light; from the medieval name Aliénor · French
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Eliana 👧My God has answered · Hebrew
- Elizabeth 👧My God is an oath · Hebrew
- Ellie 👧Light; a short form of Eleanor and Ellen · English
- Eloise 👧Healthy, wide · French
- Elsa 👧My God is an oath; a short form of Elisabeth · German
- Ember 👧A glowing piece of coal · English
- Emi 👧Blessed with beauty, smile · Japanese
Questions and answers
What does the name Ella mean?
Ella is a name of German origin. It means: all, completely; also a short form of Eleanor.
Is Ella a boy or girl name?
Ella is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Ella have?
Ella has 4 letters and about 2 syllables.
Is Ella a popular name?
Yes. Ella has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.