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Alternatives to Bella

  1. Belle

    • Origin:

      Short form of Isabelle or French

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of the most familiar and usable names that mean beautiful. Though it has been overshadowed by the Twilight-influenced Bella and longer forms like Isabella and Annabella, Belle has its own Southern charm and would make a pretty choice as a first or middle name.
  2. Bellona

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fighter"

    • Description:

      A beautiful name with a combative meaning (from the Latin bellare "to fight"), belonging to a Roman goddess of war. Bellona has never appeared on the SSA list, but it could be an intriguing option for fans of the popular Belle/Bella.
  3. Belma

    • Description:

      Belma is a feminine name with Bosnian, Turkish, and broader Balkan origins. In Bosnian, it's believed to mean 'white gazelle,' combining beauty and grace in its imagery. The name gained particular popularity in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 20th century and remains moderately common there today. Belma has a gentle, melodious quality with its balanced syllables and soft consonants. Outside the Balkans and Turkey, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being accessible in pronunciation for international speakers. Belma carries cultural connections to both European and Middle Eastern traditions, reflecting the rich multicultural heritage of the regions where it originated. Its simplicity and elegant sound give it timeless appeal.

  4. Belphoebe

    • Origin:

      Invented literary name

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful shining one"

    • Description:

      The name of the character in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" whom the poet intended as a representation of Queen Elizabeth I. While it will no doubt thrill your daughter's English professor, the addition of the "Bel" to already great Phoebe is on the fussy side.
  5. Belva

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful view"

    • Description:

      Has a decidedly middle-aged image.
  6. Beulah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "married"

    • Description:

      In the Bible, Beulah is a place, not a person, applied to the land of Israel by the prophet Isaiah. The land of Beulah has sometimes been considered a reference to heaven. Beulah began to be used as a given name in England at the time of the Reformation and was used by the seventeenth century Puritans.
  7. Billa

    • Description:

      Billa is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings across different cultures. In Sanskrit traditions, it can mean 'cat' or relate to the bilva tree, considered sacred. In Germanic language contexts, it may be a diminutive form of names containing the element 'bild' meaning 'battle' or 'sword.' Billa has also been used as a nickname for names like Sibilla or Priscilla. This short, sweet name remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries but has a simple charm and accessibility. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its historical usage. Billa's cross-cultural presence makes it versatile, while its softness and gentle sound pattern make it appealing as a feminine name that balances uniqueness with ease of pronunciation and spelling.
  8. Billie

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Wilhelmina, Wilma

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      Billie is a tomboy nickname name, part of the growing trend for using boyish nicknames for girls and now destined for stardom along with its most famous contemporary bearer, music sensation Billie Eilish.
  9. Bluebell

    • Origin:

      Flower name from English

    • Meaning:

      "blue bell"

    • Description:

      Bluebell is one flower name that is used very quietly. Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell joined her former Spice Sisters in creative baby-naming with this adventurous — some might say outlandish — choice. Andie MacDowell has a granddaughter named Bluebell Coyote through her daughter Rainey Qualley.
  10. Bluebelle

    • Origin:

      Flower name or compound name, Blue + Belle

    • Meaning:

      "blue + beautiful"

    • Description:

      An elaboration of the word and nature name Bluebell or a combination of the names Blue and Belle, giving the meaning "beautiful blue" or "blue and beautiful". While Bluebell is the more popular spelling, Bluebelle is given to around 20 girls in the UK each year, but none in the US.
  11. Bula

    • Description:

      Bula is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Fijian culture, it serves as a friendly greeting meaning 'hello' or 'welcome,' while in African contexts, particularly Nigerian languages, it can mean 'blue' or relate to prosperity. The name has also appeared occasionally in American Southern communities. With its simple two-syllable structure and melodic sound, Bula carries a warm, approachable quality. Though never widely popular in mainstream Western culture, the name has maintained consistent if rare usage throughout the 20th century. Those named Bula often appreciate its international connections and the positive, welcoming energy it conveys, as well as its distinctive character in most contemporary settings.

  12. Belette
    • Bella Rose
      • Calla

        • Origin:

          Greek

        • Meaning:

          "beautiful"

        • Description:

          Calla is a botanical name that is much more distinctive than popular Lily or similar Callie. Rarely heard today, it did appear in the popularity lists in the last decades of the nineteenth century.
      • Campbell

        • Origin:

          Scottish

        • Meaning:

          "crooked mouth"

        • Description:

          This unisex name, the seventh most popular surname in Scotland, can make a more unusual Cameron alternative. It is represented on the girls' side by TV news correspondent Campbell Brown, for whom it was a family name, Brown was born Alma Dale Campbell, Alma Dale being her grandmother's name,and Campbell her mother's maiden name.
      • Carla

        • Origin:

          Feminine variation of Carl

        • Meaning:

          "free man"

        • Description:

          While Charlotte and Caroline are considered stylish and classic members of the Charles family, this Germanic form peaked in the US at Number 76 in 1965. It fell out of favor in the 2010s, but recent years have seen it re-enter the Top 1000.
      • Cilla

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Priscilla

        • Meaning:

          "ancient"

        • Description:

          Takes the priss out of Priscilla.
      • Clarabella

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "bright and beautiful"

        • Description:

          All names bella have been popular in recent years, and though Clarabella suffers from its association with Clarabelle clown and cow, it may rise as those negative images fade.
      • Clella

        • Description:

          Clella is a feminine name with possible Latin or Italian origins, potentially derived from names like Clelia or as a diminutive form of names containing 'cle' elements. This uncommon name carries a delicate, melodic quality with its double 'l' sound. Clella was most popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm. The name may be related to the Latin 'cluere' meaning 'famous' or 'renowned.' Clella possesses an elegant simplicity while remaining distinctive and uncommon, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with classical undertones but little mainstream usage in contemporary society.
      • Della

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide

        • Meaning:

          "noble"

        • Description:

          Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.