Declining since 2021.
Popularity of Mella since 1885
Babies named Mella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Mella's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 59 |
| 1920s | 69 |
| 1930s | 41 |
| 1940s | 19 |
| 1950s | 37 |
| 1960s | 23 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 29 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Mella is a rare and somewhat mysterious name with a long but sparse history in the United States. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1885, but never achieved widespread popularity. Its peak year was also 1885, the same year it was first recorded, suggesting it has never been common. The name has been in decline since 2021, and it does not appear in the top 1000 names for any recent year. While its origins are unclear, Mella may appeal to parents seeking a short, melodic name that feels both vintage and fresh. With no top states associated with it, Mella remains a true rarity across the country.
Mella is a name of unclear origin, likely arising as a diminutive or variant of longer names such as Camilla or Amelia. It may also be related to the Slavic name Mila, meaning 'gracious' or 'dear.' Its use in the United States dates back to the late 19th century, with sporadic appearances since then.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mela
Sibling names for Mella
Names that share Mella's style, for a brother or sister.
