Zella
Zella is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Shrine, cell, or dedicated to Mars.
Origin and history
Zella is a feminine name with roots likely tied to the German word 'Zelle', meaning 'cell' or 'shrine', or serving as a short form of Marcella. It gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains a charming vintage choice experiencing a mild revival.
Popularity in the United States
13,369 babies in the United States have been named Zella since 1880. It ranks #1381 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1320.
States where it is most popular
- KY (11.2 %)
- TX (9.3 %)
- TN (6.8 %)
- MO (6.8 %)
- OK (6.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 639 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,184 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,272 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,214 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,287 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,374 |
| 1940-1950 | 924 |
| 1950-1960 | 571 |
| 1960-1970 | 316 |
| 1970-1980 | 90 |
| 1980-1990 | 49 |
| 1990-2000 | 55 |
| 2000-2010 | 334 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,240 |
| 2020-2029 | 820 |
Famous people named Zella
- Zella Jackson Price: Singer, Activist
Fun facts
- Zella was most popular in the United States around the 1880s and 1890s, when it ranked in the top 300 feminine names.
- It serves as an uncommon alternative to modern popular names like Stella, Bella, and Ella.