Girl

Donella

duh-NEL-uh

Rare & Uncommon → Stable

✦ Meaning

“Scottish feminine form of Donald, from Gaelic 'domhnall' meaning 'world ruler' or 'world mighty'. Less common variant that maintains strength while adding grace.”

Popularity Over Time

Donella US popularity rank over timeRank 16953 in 2008 to rank 1348 in 1950. Lower rank numbers are more popular.#1348#9151#16953191019401960198020002018

Donella is not currently in the US top 1000.

Origin

Scottish Gaelic

Syllables

3

Nicknames

DonaNellNelly

Style

StrongElegantClassicVintage

Famous Bearers

  • Donella Meadows (systems scientist)

Cross-Cultural Notes

Works in Scottish, Irish, and English contexts

People Also Ask

Scottish feminine form of Donald, from Gaelic 'domhnall' meaning 'world ruler' or 'world mighty'. Less common variant that maintains strength while adding grace.

Donella is not currently in the US top 1000, making it a genuinely rare choice. Usage has stayed pretty consistent over the past decade.

Popular nicknames for Donella include Dona, Nell, Nelly.

Names that pair beautifully with Donella include Maeve, Fiona, Siobhan, Caoimhe.