The name Ella is a shortened form of the Germanic name Eleanor, which means "shining light" or "bright one." It is derived from the Old Provençal phrase "Alia Elionor," which translates to "the other Aenor." The name Eleanor itself is a combination of the Germanic elements "ali" meaning "other" and "nora" meaning "honor."

Ella became popular as a independent name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Britain. It was used as a diminutive for Eleanor, but also gained popularity as a stand-alone name. The shorter form Ella was seen as more modern and fashionable than the more traditional Eleanor.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ella dates back to the 9th century, when an Anglo-Saxon princess named Ella lived in England. She was the daughter of King Aethelred I of Wessex and was known for her piety and charitable works.

In the 12th century, the name Ella appeared in the French epic poem "The Song of Roland," where it was the name of a character who was the wife of one of Charlemagne's knights. This literary reference helped to popularize the name in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Ella. These include Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996), the famous American jazz singer known as the "First Lady of Song," and Ella Baker (1903-1986), an influential African-American civil rights activist who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the civil rights movement.

Other famous Ellas include Ella Reeve Bloor (1862-1951), an American labor organizer and socialist activist; Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919), a popular American poet and writer; and Ella Grase (1889-1916), a Latvian writer and feminist who played a significant role in the Latvian National Awakening movement.

While the name Ella has experienced periods of greater and lesser popularity over the centuries, it has remained a beloved choice for parents in many parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries, where its Germanic roots and association with light and honor have endured.