Girl Name · German Origin
Zella
Last reviewed: June 2026
Zella — a girl name from the German tradition — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Shadow", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Zayla is on your shortlist, Zella belongs in the same conversation.
Names like Zella
Frequently asked about Zella
What does the name Zella mean?
Zella means "Shadow" and is of German origin.
What is the origin of Zella?
Zella originates in German naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Zella?
Zella has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Zella a boy's or girl's name?
Zella is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Zella in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Zella sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Zella?
Names that share Zella's sound and style include Zayla, Zoila, Zola, Zyla, Zula.