Find out how popular the first name Gaella has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gaella by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Gaella is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gaella.

The history of the first name Gaella

The name Gaella has its origins in the Gaelic language, which was spoken by the ancient Celts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is believed to have derived from the Old Irish word 'gaill', meaning 'foreigner' or 'stranger'. This name likely emerged during the medieval period, when the Celtic regions were frequently raided by Vikings and other foreign invaders.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gaella can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. In an entry dated 1020 CE, a woman named Gaella ingen Ruaidrí is mentioned as the wife of a prominent Irish chieftain. This suggests that the name was in use among the Irish nobility during the 11th century.

Gaella also appears in several ancient Irish tales and legends, although the exact origins of these stories are difficult to trace. In the epic saga 'The Táin Bó Cuailnge', a character named Gaella is described as a fierce warrior and protector of her clan. This portrayal may have contributed to the name's association with strength and resilience.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Gaella was primarily used in Ireland and Scotland, although it may have spread to other parts of Europe through the travels of Celtic missionaries and scholars. One notable bearer of the name was Gaella Ua Ruairc (1148-1216), a powerful Irish chieftain who led several rebellions against the Anglo-Norman invaders of Ireland.

During the Renaissance period, the name Gaella gained some popularity in Italy, possibly due to the influence of Celtic scholars and artists who traveled to the Italian city-states. A famous Italian painter named Gaella Baglione (1566-1643) was renowned for her portraits of noble families in Rome and Florence.

In more recent centuries, the name Gaella has remained relatively rare, but it has been used by a few notable figures. Gaella Utanga (1812-1878) was a prominent leader of the Xhosa people in South Africa, known for her advocacy of traditional cultural practices. Gaella Gottschalk (1885-1972) was a German-born American author and journalist who wrote extensively about her experiences as a World War I refugee.

Other notable bearers of the name Gaella include Gaella Olcott (1900-1985), an American social worker and activist who fought for women's rights and racial equality, and Gaella Buchhorn (1925-2019), a German artist and sculptor whose works are displayed in museums across Europe.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gaella was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gaella, please contact us.

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