Clella

A jazzy and catchy sounding name, Clella has a variety of possible origins. One possibility is that it comes from Cloelia or Clelia, an Ancient Roman name and its Italian variant, meaning "famous" or "reputable". Alternatively, it's a feminine spin on two different surnames: the English Clelland, meaning "clay land", or the Irish McClelland, meaning "descendant of Faolán" or more poetically, "descendent of the wolf".

Other sources suggest it's a diminutive of the classic Claudia, or perhaps a modern invention, inspired by Ella. As such, it might be considered a smoosh of Ella and Clementine, Clara, Cleo, or similar, giving you meanings such as "completely merciful", "clear, bright fairy maiden", and "all glory".

Pronounced KLEL-uh.

As of October 2026, Clella ranked #4984 for girls in US births in 1958 SSA, peaked at #846 for girls in 1899.