Pela

Girl Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/ˈpeɪ.lə/

Pela: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine". It derives from the Greek word "pélagos > Pelágios".

In Greek tradition, Pela holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Pela

Quick facts about Pela
OriginGreek
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately 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 Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

pélagos > Pelágios

Other Scripts

Serbian (Пелагија)

How to Pronounce Pela

Pela is pronounced /ˈpeɪ.lə/(Greek)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Pel-a
  2. Say it like: "PEL-A"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across serbian, polish, and czech speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

serbianpolishczech
Frequently Asked Questions About Pela
What does the name Pela mean?
Pela means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world.". The name comes from pélagos > Pelágios. In its original form, the name derives from pélagos (πέλαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Pela for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Pela's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Pela?
Pela is a greek name. The name traces back to pélagos > Pelágios. The original form pélagos (πέλαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Pela is written as Serbian (Пелагија). From its greek roots, Pela spread to become common in serbian, polish, czech. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Pela a boy or girl name?
Pela is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Pela has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Pela?
Pela is pronounced "/ˈpeɪ.lə/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Serbian (Пелагија), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Pela is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in serbian, polish, czech, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Pela can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root pélagos > Pelágios influences how Pela sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Pela?
Pela is commonly used as a nickname for Pelagia, Pelagija. Being a shortened version of Pelagia, Pelagija, Pela offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Pelagia, Pelagija go by Pela throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In greek cultures, using Pela as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Pela as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Pela 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 Pela?
Pela is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Pela offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Pela's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Pela holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Pela commonly used?
Pela is common in serbian and polish and czech naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Pela found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Pela, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “pelagos (πελαγος) Pelágios (Πελάγιος),” meaning “of the sea, marine.” The same meaning of the Gaelic name “Morgan,” which was, in fact, used in the Middle Ages to translate Pelagius in the Book of Common Prayer. The name, both male and female, is carried by several saints. The name day is celebrated on various dates in the world." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Pela into their naming traditions. A child named Pela 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, Pela is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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