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?

I have an Ella. Clearly where I live is populated by MNers who wouldn't be seen dead giving their child a name in the top 20 as there aren't that many, only one other in her year (60 kids).

If you live it, go for it. I have no regrets in giving our beautiful girl this beautiful name!

I really like it! Elle is a lovely shortening

It's not my favourite name but it's fine. Where I am in London I don't know any! I do know an Ella in her late 20's and I think it works well for an adult also, doesn't sounds babyish to me.

I know an adult Ella. Mid 30s I think. Seems perfectly normal and not babyish. For some reason I see it as way more stylish than Ellie - now that's babyish.

If I had to have an Ella I'd have either just Ella, or Gabriella.

Aside from the popularity issue I find it a bit weak. Best as a shortening I think

I have a 5 yr old Ella and she is the only one in a intake of 100 reception children. There are a few dotted about but I don't think its as popular as people made out on here.
I have a name that was seriously popular in the late 70s/early 80s and have never been the only one with my name ever and it has had no detrimental impact.
If you like the name Ella use it, she will be individual because she is who she is. Her name is only one part of who she is.

I've got a 12 year old one

Only one in her year

I'm a brownie and guide leader
-never had another one in my groups

I was one of 5 in my class but as an adult I've never worked with someone the same name as me

Call your child a name you like

I don't know any Ellas but when I hear the name it always sounds to me like just the end of a name instead of a whole name in itself. Like 'ine' or 'alie' or 'nie'. In a room with a Daniella, an Isabella and an Ella, I would feel a bit sorry for poor Ella with only part of a name!

My great auntie was Ella. She was fabulous and loved to party.

Ella is a gorgeous name. Why not hyphen it with something less common? I know a lovely little Ella-Rae

I think it's really pretty. I only know one who's actually Gabriella

We have an Ella (her full name is Eleanor!). Don't regret it and it really suits her - she is nearly 10 and it wasn't that popular then. Honestly? I wouldn't think twice about popularity. You could always use a long name (there are a few - Gabriella, Eleanor etc.) and use the shortening of Ella.

Ella Fitzgerald, jazz singer extraordinaire didn't regret her name I'm sure. Ella is also a pretty old name, don't quote me but I think it was introduced by the Normans in the 14th century and then later revived it the 19th century. Older then a lot of the names in use today.

What's the number 16 joke

I've an Ella too, she's 8 and the only one in her school of 200 kids.

She's named after my great-granny who was born around 1903.

I love her name and she really suits it. It doesn't sound like a shortening to me.

And she is very lovely, Lily

I like Ella. I also like Eleanor/Elinor.

It's classic and beautiful :)

It's nice enough but I wouldn't say it's 'classic'.

Well I suppose it depends on your definition of 'classic'. It is a name that has been in my DHs family for generations, so I think of it as a classic name :)

It's nice enough but it doesn't wow me at all. And I really do think it will date - it may be an old name but the sharp spike in popularity over the last few years will mean people pinpoint it to a certain age group.

However, if that doesn't bother you go for it.

I'm surprised at people saying they only know one or haven't taught any. Where I live (north west Eng) there's loads of them ranging from 17 year olds to babies. Practically every girl in twelve year old ds1'sclass seems to be Olivia, Ellie or Ella.

Forgot to add - as a teacher my school has quite a few Daniellas, Ellas, Gabriellas, Annabellas, Isabellas. And Ellies and other related names.
It's the same with my friends who teach.
Nothing wrong with it really, but there are quite a few out there.

It has been overdone. Like Ava .. But I would still go for it if you love it, it's not as bad as Jack being overdone that the boy who wasn't called jack nicknamed 'unjack'

Agree - it's not quite as bad as jack but if it stays this popular for the next five years it soon will be.

How about some of the options suggested which can have Ella as a nn? Arabella? Isabella?

Etta is a GREAT suggestion.

Ella is a lovely name and there is only one at our primary school. Ellie though is a different story, I know lots of them. Completely different name in my opinion but would be adamant not to let anyone 'shorten' to Ellie.

As long as she doesn't have a brother called Sam... Sam & Ella "Salmonella"!