Hella
About Hella
Hella is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Germanic languages, it functions as a diminutive of names containing the element 'heil' meaning 'healthy' or 'whole.' It's also associated with Hel, the Norse goddess who ruled the underworld. In modern times, the name gained additional recognition from its use as slang in Northern California meaning 'very' or 'extremely.' Hella has a bright, punchy sound that feels simultaneously vintage and contemporary. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, it enjoys moderate popularity in Scandinavian and German-speaking regions, where its brevity and distinctive sound are appealing qualities for parents seeking something simple yet distinctive.
Pronounced HEL-ah.
As of October 2026, Hella ranked #16136 in US births in 2021 SSA.
AI-written. Reviewed by Pamela Redmond
Sources: US popularity data is from the Social Security Administration. Meanings and origins are from Nameberry's name references.
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Hella on lists
Famous Hellas
- Hélène Serafia "Hella" Haasse
Dutch novelist
- Hella Jongerius
Dutch industrial designer
- Hella
stage name of Henna,Riikka Paakkola, Finnish keyboardist and singer of metal band Lordi
- Hella Henrietta Pick
British,Austrian journalist
- Hella Tornegg
German actress
- Hella Elise Rentema
Dutch swimmer
- Hella Wuolijoki (born Ella Marie Murrik)
Estonian,born Finnish novelist
- Hella Joof
Danish actress
- Hella von Sinnen
German actress and TV personality
- Hella Moja
German film producer and actress
- Hella Ranner
Austrian MEP
- Helle Thorning
Schmidt, 26th Prime Minister of Denmark
- Helle Fagralid
Danish actress
- Helle Houmann Frederiksen
Danish professional triathlete
- Helle Louise Klein
Swedish journalist
- Helle Meri
Estonian actress, former First Lady of Estonia
- Helle Michaelsen
Danish model
- Helle Trevino
Danish IFBB professional bodybuilder
- Helle Genie Virkner
Danish actress
Hella in pop culture
- Hella
Old High German word for Hel, Norse Queen of the Underworld
- Hella
slang term used for emphasis; e.g., "I'm hella thirsty."
- Hella
Finnish word for "oven"
- Helle aka Athamantis
Boeotian princess in Greek mythology who fell into the Hellespont and inspired its name
- Hellas
Greek word for Greece
- Hella
David’s fiancée in “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin