Holding steady.
Popularity of Chela since 1955
Babies named Chela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 84 |
| 1980s | 185 |
| 1990s | 113 |
| 2000s | 69 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Chela is a rare and modern name choice in the United States, first recorded in 1955. Its peak year of use was 1985, after which it has maintained a stable but minimal presence. The name's meaning remains uncertain, perhaps a diminutive of longer Spanish names or a creative variant of Celia. With no recorded one-in-N frequency and no top states of popularity, Chela offers a distinctive option for parents seeking an uncommon name with a soft, melodic sound.
Chela emerged in the mid-20th century, likely as a diminutive of names such as Consuela (Spanish, 'consolation') or Marcela (Spanish, 'dedicated to Mars'). It may also be a creative spelling variant of Celia (Latin, 'heavenly'). The name saw modest use in the United States from the 1950s, with a peak in 1985, and has remained relatively rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chell, Lala
Sibling names for Chela
Names that share Chela's style, for a brother or sister.
