Submitted Name Revision History

Medieval Italian diminutive of names ending in ella. It can also be used as a diminutive of Elena and other names beginning with or containing el. This was borne by Italian opera singer Adelaide 'Lella' Ricci (1850-1871) as well as Italian actress Elena 'Lella' Fabrizi (1915-1993), Italian designer Elena 'Lella' Vignelli (1934-2016) and Italian racing driver Maria Grazia 'Lella' Lombardi (1941-1992).

As an English name, it has also been used as a contraction of Louella and similar names, as in the case of American novelist and short story writer Lee Ella 'Lella' Warren (1899-1982). Other known bearers of this name include American temperance leader Eleanor 'Lella' A. Dillard (1863-1935) and American feminist Lella Secor Florence (1887-1966).