A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Louella since 1880
Babies named Louella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1932, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Louella's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 500 |
| 1890s | 638 |
| 1900s | 832 |
| 1910s | 1,826 |
| 1920s | 2,457 |
| 1930s | 2,362 |
| 1940s | 1,973 |
| 1950s | 1,150 |
| 1960s | 508 |
| 1970s | 214 |
| 1980s | 123 |
| 1990s | 87 |
| 2000s | 93 |
| 2010s | 488 |
| 2020s | 707 |
Meaning & origin
Louella first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 1 in 1881, making it a true late Victorian gem. After declining for most of the 20th century, it has been trending upward since 2000, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names. Today, it is given to about 1 in every 11,000 girls, a level of rarity that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar choice. Top states like Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri suggest a heartland appeal, likely tying the name to early 20th-century settlers and their naming traditions.
Louella is a compound name formed from Lou (a diminutive of Louise or Louis, derived from the Germanic name Chlodowig meaning 'famous warrior') and Ella (a name of Germanic origin meaning 'other, foreign' or sometimes 'light'). It emerged in the United States in the late 19th century, following a fashion for blending two popular names. Its use peaked in the early 1880s and has since become less common, though it has seen a modest revival in recent decades.
Where Louella 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: Lou, Ella, Lulu
Variants: Louela, Luella
Sibling names for Louella
Names that share Louella's style, for a brother or sister.
