Find out how popular the first name Niella has been for the last 1 years (from 2022 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Niella by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Niella is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Niella.

The history of the first name Niella

The name Niella finds its origins in the ancient Umbrian language, spoken by the Umbri people who inhabited the central region of the Italian peninsula during the first millennium BC. The name is derived from the Umbrian word "nielu," which means "bright" or "shining." This suggests that the name may have been bestowed upon individuals who possessed a radiant or luminous presence.

The earliest recorded usage of the name Niella dates back to the 6th century BC, when it was found inscribed on a bronze tablet discovered in the Umbrian city of Gubbio. This tablet, known as the Iguvine Tablets, contained a series of religious rituals and ceremonies, indicating that the name may have held spiritual significance within the Umbrian culture.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Niella. One of the earliest recorded was Niella of Gaeta (c. 790-842), a Benedictine nun and abbess who established a convent in the coastal town of Gaeta, located in the Lazio region of Italy. Her life and teachings were documented in the "Vita Niellae," a hagiography written in the 9th century.

Another prominent figure was Niella of Villapridia (c. 1230-1300), a Spanish mystic and religious writer from the Kingdom of Aragon. She authored several works on mysticism and spiritual contemplation, including the influential treatise "De Perfectione Vitae Spiritualis" (On the Perfection of the Spiritual Life).

In the realm of art, Niella di Pietro (c. 1370-1453) was a renowned Italian painter and illuminator active in Florence during the early Renaissance period. She is best known for her intricate illuminations in manuscripts and religious texts, showcasing her mastery of the art of miniature painting.

Moving forward in time, Niella Viscountess Gormanston (1610-1683) was an Irish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. She was noted for her fierce defense of her estates against the Parliamentary forces during the Irish Confederate Wars.

Lastly, Niella Countess of Erroll (1758-1841) was a Scottish aristocrat and socialite who hosted lavish gatherings and salons in her ancestral home, Slains Castle. She was an influential figure in the cultural and social circles of 18th and 19th century Scotland, renowned for her wit and patronage of the arts.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!