Ella?

[heavenknows2007]

So now we're thinking of Ella as a name. I know it's been very common (number 16 now) -- the question is, is it so overdone as to be a joke? I've always loved the name, even as a child, but if it's going to be really dated later than I'd rather avoid it.

So, in short, -- what do you think when you think of the name Ella?

[juneau]

I'm sick of it, tbh. I know about five of them (although most are aged 5-10), but it was so ubiquitous for several years - literally every second girl born was called sodding Ella. But if you love it, go for it. It will date, I think, simply because it was soooooo popular for a while.

[ABitAsleep]

To me it sounds very baby-ish, i can't imagine an adult Ella (but as you say it's very popular at the moment so in 20 years or so there will be pleanty of adult Ellas)

[1horatio]

Ella is pretty! :)
I'd maybe wonder if it was a nn for Annabella/Isabella etc... But that's not a bad thing, I think (?).
It also reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald :)
Doesn't it also mean "she" in Spanish?

[emsyj]

It's nice but bear in mind your child will always be known as 'Ella Surname' rather than Ella.

[theveryhighlife]

There's a reason it's popular. It's a beautiful name! It's actually a very old name, so I don't think it will date as previously suggested. I remember my great granny having a friend called Ella I also know an Ella who is in her mid 30's. There is the option of choosing a longer name and shortening it to Ella, which could be a good compromise. As the previous poster mentioned it does mean 'she' in other languages, but is pronounced completely differently.

[BertieBeatle]

I know an Ella who is in her twenties and it really suits her. Part of the reason it's so nice though is because it's so unusual to meet an adult Ella. There will be so many of the next generation called this it will be quite dated I think, especially with all the Ellies as well.

[Lookingagain]

It's pretty, but I wouldn't. I think it's been popular, but is now fading. I worry it would sound dated.

[Grufalosfriend]

I'm tired of it too, sorry. It is a nice enough name but has just become so overused over the past few years. Yes, names are popular for a reason, the reason being everyone loves it and chooses it. Unfortunately such fashionable names will fall out favour eventually and start to sound a little dated.

Another reason against using it imo is that she will probably often have to add her surname or other adjective to her name just to be properly identified. We sometimes forget that names are meant to identify us.

[Lookingagain]

Just trying to think of other options that haven't been done to death that have a similar vibe: Ava, Ada, Belle, Clara, Edna, Gertrude, Mary, Pearl, Sally. (Just a list of short names, popular around the same time as Ella was at the turn of the last century.)

[LaurieLemons]

I know several people my age (twenties) and toddlers called Ella, at the end of the day if you love it I wouldn't choose something else just because of popularity.

[TheNewStatesman]

Ava, Ada, and Clara are all pretty popular right now, so if the OP is trying to find names that are not popular right now, I wouldn't recommend these either!

Ella is a pleasant enough name but yes, it's a bit done to death.

[TempsPerdu]

I like Ella but agree it feels a tad tired and bland now. How about Etta though? Similar vintage, 'Jazz Age' feel and has Etta James as a musical namesake as Ella has Ella Fitzgerald.

Or there's:

Eleanor, Helena etc with nn Ella
Stella
Emma (similarly popular but more timeless)
Willa
Thea
Zelda
Anya
Esme
Nina

[harryhausen]

My dd is 11 and there are loads of Ella's, Ellie's and Evie's. However the most popular babe by far in her year is Lilly. There's literally about 10 of them.

Have you thought of Nell? Or even Nellie/Nelly? My dd's middle name is Pearl and she loves it.
I know someone who chose Audrey after Audrey Hepburn. Most people were really about it but now she's older it really works!

[harryhausen]

Babe? Name of course! Oh and just to add, I love the suggestion of Etta.

[SueGeneris]

Just to balance, I have 3 DC aged 8 and under and don't know any Ellas. I like Ellen, and Willa.

[Lookingagain]

Thanks newstatesman my children are older now and I have lost touch.

[Wait4nothing]

I know a 20ish Ella and it certainly works for an adult. As a teacher I have never taught an Ella (despite teaching LOTS of Evie's, Ellie, Ava, ect)

[Indantherene]

In our one-word entry primary I think we have at least one Ella in every class. Plus a number of Lily, Grace and Ellie.

They will be the Sharon and Tracy of this generation.

[BuzzLightyearsHoneyBun]

I have an Ella related to me, she was the only one the whole way through primary school and there is one other at her (huge) secondary. I teach at a secondary too, 1200 intake, we have had 3 in the 10 years I have worked here.

I think it is beautiful, probably because my relative is wonderful, beautiful girl.

I do know an Etta though, which is similar and also gorgeous.

[MadameDePompom]

It's a name that seems to have just appeared out of nowhere. When I first met a little Ella I thought it was quite unusual and then I met loads more of them in quick succession!

[ChickyDuck]

How about Ellen? I love that name and noone has suggested it yet!

[Stevie77]

Just to balance, I have a 6 yo Ella and she's the only Ella in her year at school. I think there is one more Ella in the year above, I don't know of any others.

TBH, if you like it does it matter? I know this is Mumsnet but life is not a unique naming competition!

[MadameDePompom]

That's true. Always go with the name you love rather than the rarer name that you're a bit lukewarm about.

[ThursdayLastWeek]

I know an Eloise who us sometimes known as Ella.
Gives you options.

[Gummibaers]

Yes, go with a name you love! But do you really love a name that is already so very trendy? To me, popularity is an important factor in choosing a name because 1) fashionable names will inevitably fall out of fashion and sound dated and 2) popular names often mean adding a surname initial to your name.

Personally I know so many Ellas aged 13 and under that I wouldn't choose it anymore.