Danella

Meaning & origin

Danella is a rare feminine name derived from the biblical Daniel. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1914, but its usage has always been sparse. Its peak came in 2011, when it reached its highest popularity. In 2025, it ranked 10,107th with approximately 1 in 178,585 newborn girls receiving the name. Since 2021, Danella has been on the rise, reflecting a slow but steady increase in interest. The name is essentially a modern elaboration, combining the familiar 'Dan' from Daniel with the popular feminine '-ella' suffix seen in names like Ella and Stella. While it has never cracked the top 1,000, its gentle sound and biblical roots may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive alternative to Danielle or Daniella. No top states have significant enough usage to report.

Danella is a feminine elaboration of Daniel, which comes from the Hebrew name Daniyyel meaning 'God is my judge.' Daniel appears in the Hebrew Bible as a prophet. The feminine form Danella emerged as a modern variant, likely influenced by similar-sounding names like Della or Danielle. It has seen sporadic use in the United States since the early 20th century.