MallowbyNames

Bellah

BEL-uh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Bella or a feminine form of Bel, or a modern coinage.

2025 rank (girls)
#11,932
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
2012
2025 frequency
1 in 229,610 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2011

Declining since 2011, #11,932 for girls today.

Popularity of Bellah since 2003

Babies named Bellah per year in U.S. Social Security records.

14284220102020Most births 2012Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s106
2010s324
2020s72

Meaning & origin

Bellah is a modern American coinage that first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name list in 2003. It has never broken into the top 1,000, but its usage has been consistent, with a peak rank of 11,932 (the same as its 2024 rank) occurring in 2012. The name follows a pattern of names like Isabella and Bella that have been popular in the 21st century, but with a unique spelling that sets it apart. Bellah's trajectory has been falling since 2011, yet it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that sounds familiar but looks uncommon. Its recent vintage means it has no recorded top states or strong regional ties, reflecting its nationwide but sparse use.

Bellah is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records around 2003. It likely arose as a variant of the popular name Bella, which itself derives from Italian and Latin for 'beautiful', or as a feminine form of the name Bel. Its spelling with an 'h' gives it a distinctive, contemporary feel. The name has seen modest but steady use, peaking in 2012.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Bell, Bella, Elle, Belle

Variants: Bella, Belle, Bela, Belah

Sibling names for Bellah

Names that share Bellah's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Ava, Mia, Luna, Zoe, Lila

Brothers: Leo, Miles, Theo, Liam, Noah

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bellah, our favorite little girl.

B is for Bellah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bellah's letter becomes Bellah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bellah's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Bellah mean?
Bellah is of uncertain origin. It is often considered a modern variant of Bella, which means 'beautiful' in Italian and Latin, or it may be a feminine form of Bel.
How popular is Bellah?
Bellah is not a common name. In 2024, it ranked 11,932 with about 1 in every 229,610 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2012.
Is Bellah a boy's or girl's name?
Bellah is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.