Find out how popular the first name Odella has been for the last 10 years (from 2015 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Odella by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Odella is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Odella.

The history of the first name Odella

The name Odella is a feminine given name of English origin, believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages. Its roots can be traced back to the Germanic elements "od" and "el," which signify "wealth" and "nobility" respectively. This combination suggests that the name was initially borne by individuals of esteemed social standing or affluence within their communities.

The earliest known record of the name Odella dates back to the 13th century, where it appears in various Medieval English texts and documents. However, its usage remained relatively rare until the late 19th century, when it experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among English-speaking families in North America and parts of Europe.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Odella. One of the earliest documented cases is Odella of Normandy (c. 1020-1087), a noblewoman and landowner in the Duchy of Normandy during the 11th century. Her name is recorded in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086.

Another prominent figure was Odella Gubbins (1892-1975), an English writer and activist who campaigned for women's rights and suffrage in the early 20th century. She published several works of fiction and non-fiction, including the novel "The Rebel Countess" (1923) and the memoir "A Woman's Crusade" (1948), which chronicled her experiences in the women's movement.

In the field of art, Odella Whitmire (1920-2005) was an American painter and printmaker known for her vibrant abstract works. Her pieces were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums throughout the United States, and she received several prestigious awards, including the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Childe Hassam Prize in 1982.

The world of sports also saw notable individuals bearing the name Odella, such as Odella Culmer (1925-2008), a Bahamian sprinter and hurdler who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the 80m hurdles at the 1956 Games in Melbourne, becoming the first Bahamian woman to win an Olympic medal.

Lastly, Odella Thrash (1910-1998) was an American civil rights activist and educator who played a crucial role in the desegregation of public schools in Oklahoma. She served as the president of the Oklahoma City NAACP chapter and was instrumental in filing lawsuits that challenged the state's segregation policies in education.

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

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

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