A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rella since 1880
Babies named Rella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rella's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 69 |
| 1890s | 115 |
| 1900s | 100 |
| 1910s | 179 |
| 1920s | 236 |
| 1930s | 191 |
| 1940s | 151 |
| 1950s | 120 |
| 1960s | 46 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 48 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Rella is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, placing it among the oldest recorded given names in the Social Security database. It reached its peak rank of 8,362 in 1881, a year when it was given to perhaps a handful of babies, and then faded into near obscurity. However, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 2010, reflecting a broader revival of late 19th century names. In 2025, Rella ranked 8,362 with an incidence of 1 in 133,939 births. The name was most common in New York during its early usage. Its etymology is uncertain, possibly a clipped form of longer names like Aurelia or Cinderella, or an American variant of Reba. Rella was particularly associated with the 1880s and has seen a revival in recent decades, aligning with trends favoring vintage and diminutive names.
Rella likely originated as a diminutive of names such as Aurelia or Cinderella, or as a variant of the name Reba. It saw modest use in the late 19th century, particularly in New York, and has recently experienced a resurgence.
Where Rella is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Rella
Names that share Rella's style, for a brother or sister.
