Declining since 2016, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Idella since 1880
Babies named Idella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Idella's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 201 |
| 1890s | 423 |
| 1900s | 572 |
| 1910s | 1,186 |
| 1920s | 1,460 |
| 1930s | 850 |
| 1940s | 648 |
| 1950s | 548 |
| 1960s | 254 |
| 1970s | 130 |
| 1980s | 87 |
| 1990s | 40 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 84 |
| 2020s | 49 |
Meaning & origin
Idella is a turn-of-the-century name that saw its peak popularity in 1880, the earliest year in Social Security records, where it ranked highest among the years tracked. Since then, it has steadily declined in use, with the data indicating a falling trajectory since 2016. Currently, it is extremely uncommon, given to roughly 1 in 229,610 newborns in 2025. The name fits into a style of ornate feminine names popular in the late 1800s, such as Adella and Etta. While it did not appear in any top state records, its rare usage suggests a name that appeals to those seeking a vintage, almost forgotten choice.
Idella is a feminine given name that emerged in the 19th century, likely as a variant of Ida, which itself derives from the Germanic element 'id' meaning 'work, labor' or 'prosperity'. The name appears to have been formed by adding the popular feminine suffix '-ella' to Ida, creating a more ornate form. It saw modest use in the United States in the late 1800s, particularly in the 1880s.
Where Idella is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ida, Dell, Della
Sibling names for Idella
Names that share Idella's style, for a brother or sister.
