Gela

Gela is a female first name that is considered a short and affectionate form of Angelika or Angela. The name has its roots in the Greek word Angelos and carries the meaning 'the messenger' or, in a religious context, 'the angel'.

What does the name Gela mean?

The name Gela, a short form of Angelika or Angela, derives from the Greek Angelos. In a figurative sense, it means 'the messenger' or 'the angel'. Its origins lie in Ancient Greek, where it is derived either from the term ángelos (ἄγγελος) meaning 'the angel', 'the messenger', or 'the messenger of God', or from the Latin word angelus meaning 'the angel'. Furthermore, Gela is regarded as a German or Frisian short form of Geltrudis, an older variant of Gertrud, which means 'the strong spear fighter'. This derivation traces back to Old High German, where the first element ger means 'the spear' or 'javelin'. The second part comes from trud, which originally meant 'strong', 'power', or 'violence', but was reinterpreted in Old High German to trut, meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. Sometimes, Gela is also seen as a short form for names beginning with the Germanic element gaila ('joyful', 'lustful'). Alternatives include Geela and Gele.

Where does the name Gela come from?

The first name Gela has Ancient Greek and Latin roots and means 'the messenger' or 'the angel'. It derives from Angela: ángelos, the angel, the messenger, the messenger of God (Ancient Greek) or angelus, the angel (Latin). It also comes from Gertrud: ger, the spear (Old High German) and trud, strong, the power, the violence (Old High German) or trut for dear, beloved (Old High German). Gela is common in the languages German, Frisian, Georgian, and Slavic.

How do you pronounce Gela?

The pronunciation of Gela is two syllables and open: 'Ge-la' [ˈɡeːla]. The long vowel at the beginning creates a bright sound and conveys a friendly, almost sunny atmosphere. The open '-a' enhances the soft and approachable effect of the name. Gela sounds harmonious and uncomplicated, with a natural rhythm and a warm, calm presence.

When is the name day of Gela?

The name days for Gela are January 4, January 27, and May 5.

Popularity

In Germany, Gela is a rare name. In 2011, it ranked 2,438th on the list of the most common female baby names. From 2010 to 2024, Gela was given as a first name in Germany fewer than ten times, placing it at 9,958th. In the last ten years, no child has received this name.

Nicknames & pet names

Ela / Geli

Famous people

• Gela Allmann (mountaineer, author)
• Gela Babluani (French film director)
• Gela Dzagoyev (Russian football player)
• Gela Guralia (singer from Georgia)
• Gela Inalishvili (Russian football player)
• Gela Ketashvili (Georgian football player)
• Gela Weigelt (German writer)