Find out how popular the first name Lella has been for the last 38 years (from 1981 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lella by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Lella is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lella.

The history of the first name Lella

The name Lella has its roots in the Italian language, deriving from the Latin name Laelia. Laelia itself was a feminine form of the ancient Roman family name Laelius. The name's origins can be traced back to the Roman Republic era, around the 2nd century BC.

In ancient Rome, the Laelii were a prominent patrician family known for their political influence and military achievements. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Gaius Laelius Sapiens, a Roman statesman, author, and close friend of the philosopher Cicero, who lived from around 186 BC to 99 BC.

The name Lella is believed to have emerged as a diminutive or pet form of the Italian name Lia, which itself was a shortened version of Laelia. This transformation from Laelia to Lia and then to Lella likely occurred during the Middle Ages or the Renaissance period in Italy.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lella. One of the earliest recorded examples is Lella Caetani, an Italian noblewoman and poet who lived in the 13th century. Another prominent figure was Lella Quintavalle, an Italian writer and feminist activist who lived from 1916 to 2008.

In the realm of art, Lella Vignelli was an Italian-American designer and businesswoman known for her work in design and branding, born in 1934. Lella Lombardi, born in 1941, was a pioneering Italian racing driver who competed in Formula One, becoming the only woman to score points in a World Championship race.

Another notable bearer of the name was Lella Cuberli, an Italian actress and singer who lived from 1922 to 1997. She was known for her roles in several Italian films and her work in the theater.

While the name Lella is predominantly associated with Italian culture and history, it has also been used in other parts of the world, particularly among communities with Italian heritage or influences.

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 Lella was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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