Zella Name Meaning (Origin, Popularity, and Best Nicknames)

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By Sapana Chandra

Zella is a Yiddish and African girl’s name meaning “happy” or “blessed.” Learn other meanings, along with the name’s history and popularity.

Toddler girl sitting in blue dress.
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Zella name overview

Zella is a unique and beautiful short name. The following is an overview of it.

  • Origin: Yiddish and Africa.
  • Gender: Girl.
  • Meaning: Happy or blessed.
  • Unique or Common? Unique.
  • Pronunciation: Zeh-luh.

Related: Elegant Long Names for Boys and Girls

Zella name meaning and origin

Zella has several meanings and origins. The Yiddish meaning is “happy” or “blessed.”

Zella also has roots in the Central African Republic. It means “lacking nothing” or “one who knows the way.”

In both cultures, Zella is a positive name. You can conclude that someone who lacks nothing is blessed.

Zella can also be short for names like Marcella or Marzella. Marcella is a Latin name meaning “strong,” “warlike,” or “young warrior.” Marzella is an Italian name dedicated to Mars.

Popularity of the name Zella

According to the Social Security Administration, the name Zella reached its peak ranking 247th most popular name in 1900.

While it declined in popularity since then, popular culture is bringing more awareness to the name.

But, related names like Zelda, Stella, and Ella are among the top names.

Nicknames for Zella

The name Zella offers various possible nicknames. Some are short, while others are longer than the name itself.

The following are the best nicknames for Zella:

  • Ella
  • Elle
  • Zee
  • Zee Zee
  • Zell
  • Zell Bell
  • Zelly

Middle names for Zella

Middle names allow you to pass along a family name and create a name that flows.

Since Zella is a two-syllable name, a one-syllable middle name sounds perfect with it.

The following are the best middle names for Zella:

  • Bree
  • Claire
  • Faith
  • Grace
  • Jane
  • Joy
  • Kate
  • Mae or May
  • Paige
  • Rae
  • Ruth
  • Rose

As a unique name, you won’t find Zella everywhere. The following are famous people named Zella and where the name appears in popular culture.

Nordstrom: Zella is an activewear brand by Nordstrom.

Transformers: Zella is a Nebulan Supreme Scientists from the Transformers comics.

Zella Allen Dixson: An American author, lecturer, librarian, and publisher.

Zella Day Kerr: An American singer, songwriter, and musician.

Zella Ingraham: An American actress in the 1920s.

Zella Jackson Price: An American gospel singer.

Zella Lehr: An American singer and entertainer.

Zella Russell: A vaudeville star. Her full name was Rosella O’Connor Russell.