Ella

Varies by origin; one Germanic strand is linked to “other”.

Ella has more than one history. An older Norman form goes back to Germanic short names linked with an element meaning “other”. Ella can also shorten names such as Eleanor, Elisabeth or Gabriella. In those cases, the family connection and meaning depend on the longer name; the different explanations should not be rolled into one definition. That flexibility can be useful if you want to echo a longer family name without using it in full. Ella is also established as a name in its own right, so no expansion is needed. English /ˈɛl.ə/ gives it two gentle beats and a soft ending. The doubled l makes the written centre look balanced, while the name as a whole feels intimate and unceremonious.

Etymology: An older Norman name with Germanic roots, also a short form of names beginning El- or ending -ella.