Find out how popular the first name Tela has been for the last 45 years (from 1974 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tela by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Tela is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Tela being female.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tela.

The history of the first name Tela

The given name Tela has its origins rooted in ancient Sanskrit, one of the earliest known Indo-Aryan languages. Derived from the Sanskrit word "tela," which translates to "oil" or "ghee," this name was initially associated with individuals involved in the production or trade of these substances.

In ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, the name Tela appears as a reference to the sacred oil used in religious ceremonies and rituals. This connection gives the name a spiritual connotation, often linked to purity and enlightenment.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Tela can be found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where a character named Tela plays a minor role. This epic is believed to have been composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tela. One such figure was Tela Desam (c. 1200 CE), a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer from the Kakatiya dynasty, known for his contributions to the development of mathematical concepts and astronomical theories.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Tela Vennela (1650-1720), a Telugu poet and scholar from the Nayak dynasty of Madurai. Her literary works, particularly her poems on devotion and spirituality, have left a lasting impact on Telugu literature.

In the realm of art, Tela Cavanilles (1765-1840) was a Spanish painter and engraver known for his intricate botanical illustrations and his contributions to the field of plant taxonomy.

Tela Dozier (1909-1974), an American civil rights activist and educator, played a pivotal role in desegregating schools in the state of Alabama during the mid-20th century. Her tireless efforts and dedication to equal education rights have left a lasting legacy.

Lastly, Tela Chajkovas (1941-2018), a Lithuanian basketball player and coach, achieved great success on the international stage, leading the Soviet Union national team to numerous victories and championships during the 1960s and 1970s.

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

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

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