Endla is an Estonian female given name, derived from the name of a lake in eastern Estonia. The lake, known as Lake Endla, is prominent in Estonian folk poetry, where it often appears as a symbolic or picturesque element. The place name itself is thought to originate from medieval personal names such as Ent or Endo, which may be diminutives of Hendrik (the Estonian form of Henry) or Andres (the Estonian form of Andrew). This points to a common onomastic pattern where geographical features receive names based on the people living near them.The name Endla is a relatively modern given name in Estonia, transferred from the place name during the national awakening of the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Estonian intellectuals sought to create a distinct national identity by drawing on native landscape features and folklore. The lake's cultural significance is celebrated in poems and songs, reinforcing the name's poetic and patriotic connotations. Notable Estonian figures bearing the name include Endla Kant, a linguist, and Endla Selli, a theatrical performer.In addition to the lake and given name, Endla also refers to a village in Jõgeva Parish, a nature reserve encompassing the lake, and a well-known theatre in Pärnu—all of which underscore the name’s multifaceted presence in Estonian geography and culture. The masculine form of the name is Endel, and related linguistic roots also yield the name Endo. While Endla remains uncommon outside Estonia, it is valued for its deep ties to local heritage and the natural landscape, embodying the spirit of the nation's literary and ecological traditions.Meaning: From Estonian lake; linked to medieval personal names Ent/EndoOrigin: Place name → transferred given nameType: Feminine given nameUsage regions: Estonia