Nel·la: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us".It derives from the Hebrew word "imánu él > ʼImmanuʻel > imanu'él".
Nel·la has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Nel·la
Quick facts about Nel·la
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
imánu él > ʼImmanuʻel > imanu'él
How to Pronounce Nel·la
Nel·la is pronounced /ˈnɛl.lə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Nel-·la
Say it like: "NEL-·LA"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Nel·la is predominantly used in catalan speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
catalan
Frequently Asked Questions About Nel·la
What does the name Nel·la mean?
Nel·la means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580.". The name comes from imánu él > ʼImmanuʻel > imanu'él. In its original form, the name derives from Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel / Imanu'él (עמנואל) Emmānouḗl (Ἐμμᾱνουήλ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Nel·la for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Nel·la's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Nel·la?
Nel·la is a hebrew name. The name traces back to imánu él > ʼImmanuʻel > imanu'él. The original form Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel / Imanu'él (עמנואל) Emmānouḗl (Ἐμμᾱνουήλ) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to catalan naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Nel·la a boy or girl name?
Nel·la is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Nel·la has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Nel·la?
Nel·la is pronounced "/ˈnɛl.lə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Nel·la is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Nel·la can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root imánu él > ʼImmanuʻel > imanu'él influences how Nel·la sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Nel·la?
Nel·la is commonly used as a nickname for Emmanuela, Manela. Being a shortened version of Emmanuela, Manela, Nel·la offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Emmanuela, Manela go by Nel·la throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In hebrew cultures, using Nel·la as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Nel·la as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Nel·la on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Nel·la?
Nel·la is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Nel·la offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Nel·la's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Nel·la holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Nel·la commonly used?
Nel·la is used primarily in catalan naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Nel·la found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Nel·la into their naming traditions. A child named Nel·la will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Nel·la is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Nel·la?
Nel·la carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Imánu él / ʼImmanuʻel /Imanu’él” (Biblical Greek: Emmānouḗl ‘Ἐμμᾱνουήλ’), meaning “God is with us.” It is a symbolic name which appears in chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah as part of a prophecy assuring king Ahaz of Judah of God’s protection against enemy kings. It is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew as a sign verifying the divine status of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Immanuel prophesy from Isaiah, although it uses a Greek translation rather than the original Hebrew. Saint Emmanuel († ~304) was arrested and executed with 42 other martyrs, including Quadratus (Codratus) and Theodocius, in 304 as part of Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. Their feast day is 26 March. Emmanuel Philibert (Italian: Emanuele Filiberto, known as “Testa di Ferro,” in English “Ironhead,” because of his military career; 8 July 1528–30 August 1580) was Duke of Savoy from 1553 to 1580." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Nel·la originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Nel·la sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Nel·la often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In catalan communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.