Zella is a feminine given name that arose in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. Its origins are obscure, and it is believed to be an invented name, possibly a variant or diminutive of other names such as Zela, Zillah, or Griselda. The name may also be influenced by the Italian word zella, meaning 'cell' or 'small room'.
Zella gained some popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reaching a peak of modest usage around the 1880s. It reflects the Victorian era's fondness for melodic, somewhat unusual names. Today, Zella is relatively rare as a first name, although it occasionally appears in modern contexts, including as a surname.
Notable bearers include American composer and pianist Zella Mae Broomfield (known as Lady Zella). The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the 1937 film Zella and as a character in literature.
- Meaning: Unknown, possibly invented
- Origin: English (19th century)
- Type: Invented name or variant
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries