Della
Della Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈdɛl.ə/
Meaning of Della: Della began as a short form of names containing the Germanic element adal, meaning “noble.” The most common full names it shortens are Adela (meaning simply “noble”), Adelaide (meaning “noble kind” or “noble natured”), and Adeline.
The contraction from “Ad‑ella” to “Della” reflects the common English nickname process of taking a middle or final syllable rather than an initial one: a pattern seen in Bella from Arabella, Cilla from Priscilla, and Rella from Cinderella.
Della entered independent given-name usage in the United States during the 19th century, eventually becoming a standard name in its own right rather than merely a nickname. That independence is documented in US census records where women listed themselves as Della with no extended form.
What Does Della Mean? Origin & Etymology
The name’s warmth and simplicity fitted naturally into late 19th and early 20th century American naming, alongside short vintage names like Ida, Lula, and Cora.
The short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry (1905) features a character named Della Young, giving the name a literary touchpoint of sentimental sacrifice and love—a story read by millions of American students. That quiet cultural association contributes to Della’s image as a warm, romantic name.
According to SSA records, Della held moderate early 20th-century usage, declined through the mid-century, and began a pronounced vintage revival around 2015. As of 2024, it ranks 580 for girls, with approximately 518 births recorded nationally.
That recovery aligns with the broader trend toward short, two-syllable vintage names ending in ‑a.
Della works well as both a given name and as a short form for Adelaide-named children who prefer the shorter everyday version. etymology records traces the adal Germanic root and the Adelaide–Della connection.
How Popular Is Della?
Numerology & Symbolism of Della
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Della – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Della
What does the name Della mean?
Della is most commonly a short form of Adela or Adelaide, from Old High German adal meaning noble. It has also been used as an independent name since the 1850s in English-speaking countries.
Is Della a nickname or a full name?
Both. Della originated as a short form of Adela and related names but has been used as a standalone given name since the mid-19th century. In current US usage most bearers receive Della as their full legal name.
How popular is Della in the United States?
Della ranked No. 580 among US girl names in 2024. The name was in the US top 100 from 1880 through the early 1930s, then declined. It re-entered the top 1,000 around 2010 and has grown steadily.
Who is Della in The Gift of the Magi?
Della is the young wife in O. Henry’s 1905 short story The Gift of the Magi. She sells her hair to buy a chain for her husband Jim’s watch, while he sells his watch to buy combs for her hair, one of the most famous ironic endings in American literature.