Are you considering the name Della for your baby girl? If so, you may be interested in the meaning and origin of this unique name. Della is a name of English origin that means “of the nobility”. It is a variant of the name Adela, which was a popular name in the Middle Ages.
Despite its noble meaning, Della is not a commonly used name in modern times. However, its rarity may be a plus for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter. If you are interested in the name Della, read on to learn more about its history and popularity.
Name Origin and Historical Background
Della in Greek and German Origins
The name Della has roots in both Greek and German cultures. In Greek, the name is derived from the word “hagne,” which means “chaste.” This name was often given to girls who were considered pure and virtuous. In German, the name Della is a diminutive form of the name Adela, which means “noble.”
Della in American and English Origins
In America and England, the name Della gained popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It was often used as a nickname for girls with names like Adeline, Delilah, and Adele. The name Della was also used as a standalone name and was associated with qualities like sweetness and charm.
Overall, the name Della has a rich and varied history, with roots in both ancient Greek and German cultures, as well as more recent American and English traditions. Whether used as a nickname or a standalone name, Della remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name that is both unique and meaningful.
Popularity of the Name Della
Della’s Ranking in Baby Names
Della is not a very common name, but it has been around for quite some time. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Della was most popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reached its peak in 1901, when it was the 155th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. In recent years, Della has not been as popular, but it still remains a beautiful and unique name choice for parents.
Yearly State-wise Popularity
The popularity of the name Della varies from state to state. According to SSA data, in 2022, Della was most popular in the state of West Virginia, where it ranked as the 391st most popular name for baby girls. The states with the least popularity for the name Della were Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont.
Here is a table that shows the popularity of the name Della in the top 10 states:
| Rank | State | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 391 | West Virginia | 15 |
| 551 | Kentucky | 12 |
| 586 | Tennessee | 11 |
| 612 | Indiana | 10 |
| 632 | Ohio | 10 |
| 645 | North Carolina | 9 |
| 670 | Georgia | 9 |
| 684 | Texas | 9 |
| 698 | Missouri | 8 |
| 713 | Michigan | 8 |
It is important to note that the popularity of the name Della has been declining in recent years. In 2022, there were only 157 baby girls named Della, which is a significant drop from its peak in 1901.
Overall, while Della may not be as popular as some other baby names, it remains a classic and elegant choice for parents looking for a unique name for their baby girl.
Famous Personalities Named Della
There have been several famous personalities throughout history named Della. Here are a few notable ones:
Della Reese and Della Jones
Della Reese was an American singer and actress known for her powerful gospel-style vocals. She starred in several TV shows and movies, including “Touched by an Angel” and “Harlem Nights.” Della Jones, on the other hand, is a Welsh mezzo-soprano who has performed in several operas and concerts worldwide.
Della Duck and Della Street
Della Duck is the twin sister of Donald Duck and the mother of Huey, Dewey, and Louie. She first appeared in the comic book “Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold” in 1942. Della Street, on the other hand, is the secretary of the famous fictional lawyer Perry Mason. She has been portrayed in several TV shows and movies, including the long-running TV series “Perry Mason.”
Della Alexander and Della Vacker
Della Alexander is a character from the British soap opera “EastEnders.” She is known for her fiery personality and her tumultuous relationships with other characters. Della Vacker, on the other hand, is a character from the book series “Keeper of the Lost Cities” by Shannon Messenger. She is a powerful elf with the ability to control light.
Age of Adaline
In the movie “Age of Adaline,” Adaline Bowman, played by Blake Lively, goes by the nickname “Della” at one point in the film. The movie follows Adaline, who stops aging after a near-death experience, as she navigates life and love over several decades.
Overall, the name Della has been associated with several talented and influential individuals throughout history.
Variations and Similar Names
From Delia to Dahlia
Della is often considered a shortened version of the name Delia, which means “from Delos,” an island in Greece. Dahlia is another option that sounds similar to Della. It is the name of a flower that symbolizes elegance and dignity. Both Delia and Dahlia have a similar sound to Della and could be great alternatives for parents who are looking for a similar name.
From Adela to Adele
Adela is a name of German origin that means “noble.” It is a great option for parents who are looking for a name that sounds similar to Della. Adele is another option that is similar to Della. It is a French name that means “noble kind.” Both Adela and Adele have a similar sound to Della and could be great alternatives for parents who are looking for a similar name.
From Ava to Asher and Henry
Ava is a name of Latin origin that means “life.” It has a similar sound to Della and could be a great alternative for parents who are looking for a similar name. Asher is another option that has a similar sound to Della. It is a Hebrew name that means “happy” or “blessed.” Henry is another option that has a similar sound to Della. It is a German name that means “ruler of the household.”
Diella and Dahl
Diella is a name that is similar to Della. It is a Hebrew name that means “knowledge of God.” Dahl is another option that sounds similar to Della. It is a Scandinavian name that means “valley.” Both Diella and Dahl have a similar sound to Della and could be great alternatives for parents who are looking for a similar name.
In conclusion, there are many variations and similar names to Della that parents can consider when choosing a name for their baby girl. Whether they are looking for a similar sound or a similar meaning, there are many options to choose from.
Meaning and Symbolism
Della is a name that carries a lot of meaning and symbolism. It has roots in both English and Italian, and is a short form of various names including Adela, Delia, and Cordelia. Let’s take a closer look at the different aspects of the name’s meaning.
Nobility and Brightness
The name Della has a Teutonic origin and means “of nobility”. This meaning is reflected in the name’s sound, which has a regal and dignified quality to it. Additionally, the name can also be interpreted to mean “bright”, which adds a cheerful and optimistic connotation to the name.
Kind Heart and Pleasure
Della is a name that is associated with kindness and pleasure. The name’s soft sound and gentle rhythm evoke a sense of warmth and compassion. It is a name that is often given to girls who are known for their caring and empathetic nature. The name also has a playful and lighthearted quality to it, which makes it a popular choice for parents who want to give their child a name that conveys a sense of joy and happiness.
In conclusion, Della is a name that carries a lot of meaning and symbolism. It is a name that is associated with nobility, brightness, kindness, and pleasure. Whether you choose to give your child this name because of its meaning or simply because you like the sound of it, it is a name that is sure to bring joy and happiness to your family.
Pronunciation and Spelling
The name “Della” is pronounced as “DEL-uh” or “Del-lah”. It is a German originated feminine name that means “Noble”.
If you have a name that is pronounced in a special way, it is important to communicate the correct pronunciation to others. You can use phonetic spelling or a familiar word that rhymes with your name to help others pronounce it correctly.
The Name Engine® is a great resource to confirm the correct pronunciation of names. They provide audio name pronunciations of athletes, entertainers, politicians, newsmakers, and more. You can also use the Cambridge Dictionary to listen to the audio pronunciation of words, including names.
It is also important to ensure that your name is spelled correctly. If your name has an unusual spelling, you can provide the correct spelling to others by using phonetic spelling or providing an example of a similar word.
Carnegie Mellon University provides a phonetic spelling key for names that require special attention. You can indicate the phonetic spelling of your name or a familiar word that rhymes with your name to help others spell it correctly.
Overall, it is important to communicate the correct pronunciation and spelling of your name to others to avoid confusion and ensure that you are addressed correctly.