Declining since 2012.
Popularity of Kella since 1955
Babies named Kella per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 22 |
| 1960s | 46 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 40 |
| 1990s | 51 |
| 2000s | 96 |
| 2010s | 128 |
| 2020s | 38 |
Meaning & origin
Kella is a rare, melodic name that has never cracked the U.S. Top 1000, yet it has maintained a small but consistent presence. First recorded in 1955, it saw its peak in 2013 (5 births), and its trajectory has been falling since 2012. The name is most often considered a modern variant of Kelly, an Irish surname-turned-first-name, but its -a ending aligns it with the popularity of names ending in 'a' at the turn of the 21st century. With no states reporting more than minimal use, Kella remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and distinctive.
Kella is likely a respelling or shortened form of Kelly, which derives from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh meaning 'descendant of Ceallach'. Ceallach itself is an Old Irish name meaning 'bright-headed' or 'warrior'. In modern use, Kella may also arise as a fashionable variation of Kellie or Kelli, with the -a ending giving it a softer, contemporary feel. The name has seen occasional use in the United States since the 1950s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kel, Kell
Sibling names for Kella
Names that share Kella's style, for a brother or sister.
