A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Vella since 1882
Babies named Vella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vella's real moment was 1885.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 66 |
| 1890s | 124 |
| 1900s | 185 |
| 1910s | 393 |
| 1920s | 410 |
| 1930s | 304 |
| 1940s | 198 |
| 1950s | 154 |
| 1960s | 68 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 34 |
| 2010s | 189 |
| 2020s | 140 |
Meaning & origin
Vella is a rare and delicate name that peaked in the late 19th century, reaching its highest rank of 4,878 in 1885. After decades of obscurity, it has been slowly rising again since 2003, though it remains uncommon with about 1 in 59,528 baby girls receiving the name in 2025. Its uncertain etymology adds an air of mystery, likely stemming from a nickname for longer names like Novella. With its soft sound and vintage charm, Vella appeals to parents seeking an unusual name with historical roots but a modern feel.
Vella likely emerged as a diminutive or abbreviated form of longer names ending in -vella, such as Novella (meaning 'new') or Arabella. It may also be connected to the Latin word 'vela' meaning 'sails', though this derivation is speculative. The name saw modest use in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, but never entered widespread popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vell
Variants: Vela
Sibling names for Vella
Names that share Vella's style, for a brother or sister.
