Rising since 1993, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Bela since 1912
Babies named Bela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 | 68 |
| 1920s | 23 | 68 |
| 1930s | 0 | 10 |
| 1940s | 0 | 20 |
| 1950s | 0 | 47 |
| 1960s | 0 | 76 |
| 1970s | 17 | 33 |
| 1980s | 6 | 25 |
| 1990s | 42 | 22 |
| 2000s | 258 | 78 |
| 2010s | 291 | 30 |
| 2020s | 168 | 8 |
Meaning & origin
Bela is a short, melodic name with multiple cultural roots, making it a cross-cultural choice with a gentle sound. In the United States, the name has been in use since at least 1913, but its popularity has fluctuated. In 2025, it ranked 5,722, with about 1 in 76,537 female births, indicating it remains a rare pick. It reached its peak rank in 2010 and has been rising in popularity since 1993 after a period of decline. The name's simplicity and versatility may appeal to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. While not strongly associated with any particular state, Bela's international flair gives it a global appeal.
Bela has multiple possible origins. As a Slavic name, it may derive from the root 'bělъ' meaning 'white' and is also a short form of names like Beloslav. In Spanish and Portuguese, Bela is a diminutive of Isabel or names ending in -bella. In Hungarian, Béla is a male given name of debated origin, possibly from the Slavic 'bělъ' or a Turkish title. The name has been used across Europe for both genders.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Béla, Bella, Belka
Sibling names for Bela
Names that share Bela's style, for a brother or sister.
