Sanela

Possibly derived sana, a Latin word meaning "healthy", Sanela could make an unexpected full name for nicknames Nel, Neli, and Nela. Used predominantly in Croatia and Slovenia, another theory is that the name is in fact a diminutive of Aleksandra with the "-ela" suffix added, or a variation of the Arabic names Sanaa, Sanija, or Sania (meaning "brilliance, radiance, splendour") or Ishana (meaning "good deeds").

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Sanela Diana Jenkins is a notable bearer.

Pronounced suh-NAY-luh.

As of October 2026, Sanela ranked #16748 for girls in US births in 2006 SSA, peaked at #8773 for girls in 1983.