A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Novella since 1882
Babies named Novella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Novella's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 63 |
| 1890s | 163 |
| 1900s | 366 |
| 1910s | 939 |
| 1920s | 1,314 |
| 1930s | 857 |
| 1940s | 596 |
| 1950s | 444 |
| 1960s | 329 |
| 1970s | 178 |
| 1980s | 99 |
| 1990s | 72 |
| 2000s | 114 |
| 2010s | 405 |
| 2020s | 333 |
Meaning & origin
Novella is a literary name that has never been common but carries a distinct, artistic charm. First recorded in U.S. data in 1882, it reached its peak popularity in 1905 with modest usage. After decades of decline, it began rising again in 2005, reflecting a broader revival of 19th-century names. The name has been most popular in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, suggesting a regional preference in the Midwest. Its recent upward trajectory (especially in the 2020s) aligns with parent interest in uncommon, vintage names with a scholarly aura. While still rare, Novella offers a unique alternative to more familiar names like Ella or Stella, with a clear literary pedigree that appeals to book-loving families.
Novella derives directly from the Italian word novella, meaning "short story" or "tale," itself from Latin novellus ("new"). In Italian literature, the term was popularized by Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron (c. 1353). The name entered English usage in the late 19th century, likely influenced by literary fashions and the appeal of feminine names ending in -a. It remains rare, but saw a small revival in the 2000s.
Where Novella 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: Nov, Nova, Vella
Sibling names for Novella
Names that share Novella's style, for a brother or sister.
