Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Bela originates from Slavic roots, meaning 'white' or 'fair'. It has evolved through various language forms, maintaining its association with beauty and purity. Bela has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in Slavic cultures. Today, it is seen as an elegant name, with notable figures such as Bela Bartók and Bela Lugosi contributing to its recognition.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈbeɪlə/
Origin
Slavic
Etymology
The name Bela is derived from the Slavic word 'bela', meaning 'white' or 'fair'. It is often associated with beauty and purity.
Meaning
white, fair
Language Evolution
Bela (Old Slavic), Bela (Modern Slavic languages), Bele (Old High German)
Historical Usage
The name Bela gained popularity in various Slavic regions and has been used throughout history in different cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Bel, Bella, Belen
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Bela is perceived as a unique and elegant name, often associated with beauty and grace.
Famous People
Bela Bartók, a renowned Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, Bela Lugosi, a famous Hungarian-American actor known for his role as Dracula
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 49 peak births in 2008
Geographic Spread
Popular across 4 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2974th of 7545 | 124 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4830th of 6773 | 28 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3350th of 7552 | 112 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5019th of 10718 | 66 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9851st of 16616 | 34 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10143rd of 24088 | 83 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 13385th of 23106 | 38 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6096th of 9107 | 28 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14020th of 19264 | 17 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 20558th of 27321 | 16 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5053rd of 35406 | 409 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5007th of 30306 | 318 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
91.44% 1261st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
94.65% 6922nd/7313 |
57.11% 4262nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
79.40% 5417th/6822 |
50.33% 3159th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in California across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2974th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4830th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3350th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5019th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9851st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10143rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13385th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6096th out of 9107 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14020th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 20558th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5053rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5007th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.