Meaning & History
Joella is a feminine form of the name Joel, derived from the Hebrew name Yoʾel, meaning "Yahweh is God." The name Joel itself comes from the Hebrew elements yo (a reference to Yahweh) and el (meaning God), both referring to the Hebrew deity. In the Old Testament, Joel is one of the twelve minor prophets and the author of the Book of Joel, which describes a plague of locusts as a divine judgment. The name Joel was first used as a Christian name in England after the Protestant Reformation.
Usage and Variants
Joella is primarily used in English-speaking countries. Variants of the name include Joelle (English), Joëlle (French), and Joelma (Brazilian Portuguese). The name shares roots with Yahweh, the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.
Notable Bearers
Due to its relative rarity, there are few widely known bearers of the name Joella. However, the name has appeared in American contexts, such as Joella Wernecke, an early 20th-century American illustrator, and Joella Yoda, a Filipino-American musician. The name Joella also appears in popular culture, such as the character Joella Fisher in the novel The Overstory by Richard Powers.
Popularity
Joella has never been among the top 1,000 names in the United States, making it a rare and distinctive choice. Its usage peaked in the early 20th century but has since declined.
- Meaning: Yahweh is God
- Origin: Hebrew (via Joel)
- Type: Feminine form
- Usage Regions: English-speaking countries