Anella

Meaning & origin

Anella is a rare and delicate name that has maintained a low but steady presence in the United States since it first appeared in birth records in 1915. Its peak year of usage was 2012, but it remains uncommon, with a current rank of 6,838 in 2025 and a 1-in-100,454 incidence. The name's trajectory has been falling since 2021, suggesting that it is becoming even less common. While its exact etymology is uncertain, it likely originated as a variant of Annella, itself a diminutive of Anna, giving it a subtle connection to the classic grace-associated name. Anella has no strong regional ties in the U.S., as it did not rank among top states in any given year. Its similarity to names like Stella and Camilla makes it a gentle, underused choice for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive.

Anella is a name of uncertain derivation. It may be a variant of Annella, itself a diminutive of Anna, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew Hannah meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' Alternatively, it could be a modern coinage or a feminization of names like Anello. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since at least 1915, with a notable peak in the 2010s.