Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Donella since 1910
Babies named Donella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1952, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Donella's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 53 |
| 1920s | 161 |
| 1930s | 146 |
| 1940s | 244 |
| 1950s | 312 |
| 1960s | 305 |
| 1970s | 333 |
| 1980s | 183 |
| 1990s | 69 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Donella is a name that combines two well-loved elements: Donna, the Italian word for 'lady', and the fashionable suffix -ella. First recorded in 1910, it saw its peak popularity in 1974, when it ranked in the thousands. Since then, its usage has remained stable but rare, with approximately 1 in every 321,453 girls receiving the name in 2025. The name has never been concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its scattered, individual appeal. As a modern blend, Donella carries a sense of femininity and elegance without being tied to a specific cultural tradition, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon.
Donella is a modern diminutive or elaboration of Donna, the Italian word for 'lady' (from Latin domina). It also blends Donna with the popular suffix -ella, as seen in Ella. The name Donna gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 20th century, and Donella emerged as a variant in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Donnie, Doni, Ella, Nell, Nella
Variants: Donnella, Donela
Sibling names for Donella
Names that share Donella's style, for a brother or sister.
