Della

Origin

The name Della originates from the Italian language, where it is a diminutive form of 'Diana' or 'Adela', derived from the Germanic elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' and 'heid' meaning 'kind, sort'. It has been documented in European texts since the 19th century as a standalone given name. In Australia, the name was popularised during the waves of European migration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining cultural traction through literature and media.

Meaning

In Australian English contexts, Della is often associated with qualities of nobility and kindness, reflecting its etymological roots. It is considered a vintage, elegant name that evokes a sense of classic charm and gentleness.

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛl.ə/ (DELL-uh) – with emphasis on the first syllable, in Australian English pronunciation, featuring a short 'e' sound as in 'pen'. The second syllable is unstressed.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 14 February (Valentine's Day) – a day associated with love and affection which complements the gentle nature of the name.
• 27 April (ANZAC Day) – a day of national remembrance in Australia, honouring fallen service members; while not a traditional 'name day', it is a significant date in Australian cultural memory.
• Māori Name Day - Not applicable, as Māori do not traditionally celebrate name days but observe significant cultural events.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with della:

• Elizabeth and Della
• Charlotte and Della
• Anna and Della,

Fun Facts

• The name Della was quite popular in Australia during the 1920s and 1930s, often used in literature and film.
• Della is often associated with classic Hollywood glamour, partly due to characters in old American films, reflecting Australia's admiration for Western cinema.
• The 'Della Robbia' glazing technique used in Italian ceramics references some artistic historical ties to the name's Italian roots.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name della:

• Elegant
• Gentle
• Vintage
• Noble
• Refined

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a vintage yet graceful visual appeal, with balanced syllables and a symmetrical structure, making it appealing in typographic design and personal branding.

Geographical Distribution

Historically more prevalent in Victoria and New South Wales, especially in rural communities where vintage names were commonly retained longer. Less common in Queensland and Western Australia today.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 in numerology, associated with introspection and spiritual growth, aligning with a calm, thoughtful personality trait in astrological interpretations.

Astrological Connections

Linked to the zodiac signs Pisces and Cancer, which are associated with sensitivity, intuition, and nurturing qualities, resonating with the personality connotations of the name.

Historical Context

Della appears frequently in early 20th-century Australian literature and films, often characterising maternal or vintage figures. It has been borne by notable Australians such as Della Bosca, a politician, and Della Dumbell, a pioneering nurse and community worker.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name Della adapts well across languages, maintaining its original Italian pronunciation. Variants appear in Spanish (Dela), French (Délia), and English (Della). It is often retained without translation in multicultural Australian contexts.

Famous People Named della

• Della Bosca (Politician)
• Della Dumbell (Community worker)
• Della Reese (American singer and actress, popular in Australia through media)

Popularity in Australia