If you’re a fan of the name Bella but are looking for something similar yet not quite as popular, you’re in luck! Here’s a list of boy, girl, unisex, unique, long, and short names that share some qualities with Bella. We’ll also explore the name’s origins and its variations in other languages.
Boy Names Like Bella
While Bella itself is typically used as a girl’s name, there are still some boy names that have a similar sound or vibe. Arabella is actually a boy’s name in Italy and means “yielding to prayer.” Other Bella-esque options for boys include Bellamy, Bellarmino, and Abelardo, which mean “handsome friend,” “warrior,” and “noble and strong,” respectively.
It’s interesting to note that the name Bella has become increasingly popular in recent years, likely due to its association with the Twilight series. However, if you’re looking for a unique name for your son that still has a similar feel to Bella, these options could be worth considering. Keep in mind that while some of these names may be more commonly used for girls, they can still work well for boys and provide a distinctive and memorable moniker.
Girl Names Like Bella
There are countless girl names that resemble Bella, both in terms of sound and meaning. Some of the most popular options include Isabella (which is actually the longer version of Bella), Arabella, Annabelle, and Mirabella. Other beautiful options are Belinda, which means “pretty snake,” and Sabelle, which means “consecrated to God.”
It’s interesting to note that the name Bella has become even more popular in recent years, thanks in part to the Twilight series of books and movies. In fact, the name Bella was the 58th most popular name for baby girls in the United States in 2020. However, if you’re looking for a name that’s similar to Bella but a bit more unique, you might consider names like Bellamy, which means “fine friend,” or Bellatrix, which means “female warrior.”
Unisex Names Like Bella
If you’re looking for a name that could work for either a boy or a girl, there are some options that share similarities with Bella. Beau/Belle is a French name that means “handsome” or “beautiful.” Bell is a unisex name that could be a shortened version of Belle/Bella or simply mean “ringer of bells.”
Another option for a unisex name similar to Bella is Ellis. It is a Welsh name that means “benevolent” or “kind-hearted.” It has become increasingly popular as a gender-neutral name in recent years. Other options include Avery, Jordan, and Morgan, which are all names that have been used for both boys and girls.
Unique Names Like Bella
For those who want a name that stands out, there are some unique options that have similar sounds to Bella. Belladonna is a Latin name that means “beautiful woman” but is also the name of a poisonous plant. Bluebell is a beautiful, whimsical name that refers to a type of flower. And for those who love all things celestial, there’s the name Bellatrix, which means “female warrior” and is also the name of a star in the Orion constellation.
Another unique name option that sounds similar to Bella is Belinda, which is of Spanish origin and means “pretty one” or “serpent.” This name has been used in literature and music, including the famous song “Belinda” by the 80s band, The Go-Go’s.
If you’re looking for a name that has a similar meaning to Bella, you might consider the name Kalila, which is of Arabic origin and means “beloved.” This name has a beautiful sound and a lovely meaning, making it a great option for parents who want a unique name with a special significance.
Long Names Like Bella
If you want a name that’s just as beautiful and elegant as Bella but with a bit more length, there are some options to consider. One is Anabella, a combination of Anna and Bella that means “gracious and beautiful.” There’s also Christabella, which means “beautiful follower of Christ,” and Idabella, which means “hardworking beauty.”
Another option for a longer name similar to Bella is Arabella, which means “yielding to prayer” and has a romantic and regal feel. Additionally, Mirabella is a name that means “wonderful” or “admirable” and has a unique and exotic sound.
When choosing a longer name like Bella, it’s important to consider the potential nicknames that may come with it. For example, Anabella could be shortened to Ana or Belle, while Christabella could become Chris or Bella. It’s also important to think about how the name will sound with your last name and if it will be easy to pronounce and spell.
Short Names Like Bella
If you love Bella for its short and sweet sound but don’t want to go with such a popular name, there are some other options to consider. One is Bex, which is a nickname for names like Rebecca or Beatrix. There’s also Belle, of course, which means “beautiful” and is a classic name in its own right. Another option is Ava, a name with a similarly soft and feminine sound.
Another short and sweet name to consider is Mia, which means “mine” or “wished for” in Italian. It has been a popular name in recent years, but still maintains a timeless quality. If you’re looking for a name with a bit more edge, you could consider Lux, which means “light” in Latin and has a cool, modern feel. Lastly, there’s Nell, a vintage name that has been making a comeback in recent years. It’s short, sweet, and has a charming, old-fashioned vibe.
Bella in Other Languages
Bella is a name with Italian origins, where it means “beautiful.” It’s also a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries, where it’s often used as a nickname for names like Isabel or Isabella. In French, the name translates to “pretty” or “beautiful.” In Portuguese, it means “lovely” or “charming.”
Interestingly, the name Bella has also gained popularity in recent years as a name for pets, particularly dogs. It’s a fitting name for a furry friend, as it not only means beautiful but also has a sweet and affectionate sound to it. In fact, Bella was the second most popular name for female dogs in the United States in 2020, according to a survey by Rover.com.
Where did the Name Bella Come From?
The name Bella has Italian roots, deriving from the Latin word bellus, which means “beautiful.” The name itself became popular in the United States in the early 21st century after the release of the Twilight series of books and movies, which featured a main character named Bella. Since then, the name has remained popular and continues to be a go-to for parents looking for a beautiful and classic name for their baby girl.
Whether you’re looking for a similar name for a boy, girl, or something in between, there are plenty of options out there if you love the name Bella. From long and elegant to short and sweet, there’s a name for every taste and style.
Interestingly, the name Bella has also been used as a nickname for other names such as Isabella, Arabella, and Annabella. These longer names provide a more formal option for parents who want to use Bella as a nickname, while still giving their child a full name to use in more professional settings.
In addition to its popularity in the United States, the name Bella is also a common name in other countries such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In these countries, the name is often used as a nickname for Isabella or other similar names, but it can also be used as a standalone name.