Majella
Majella Origin and Meaning
Borrowed from the name of a massif (or a compact group of mountains) in Abruzzi, Italy, Maiella is used as an Italian surname, notably by the 18th century saint, Gerardo Maiella. Regarded as the patron saint of pregnancy and childbirth, the Irish form of the saint's name is Gerard Majella — although Majella might also be used in Italy to refer to the National Park in which the massif is located.
With its feminine leaning sounds, Majella was a Top 100 choice for girls in Ireland in the mid-20th century, and continue to rank until the early 1970's. It may also be familiar in Australia where it is used as the name of wine brand.
Notably borne by Olympic volleyball player Majella Brown, actress Majella Davis, author Majella Cullinane, singer and charity campaigner, Majella O'Donnell, and as a middle name by Bulgarian princess, Princess Nadezhda, it has a familiar yet distinctive feel about it.
Majestic in appearance with a saintly connection, the name could be related to the Latin Magnus, or to the maior root more generally, meaning "great" or "greater".