Bela
Fact sheet
- Name
- Bela
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 2
Bela (Béla) is a male first name that has its origins in Hungarian and is primarily common in Hungarian-speaking regions. The exact roots of the name have not yet been fully clarified.
What does the name Bela mean?
Bela (Béla) is often considered a Hungarian variant of the German name Adalbert, which means 'the noble radiant', 'of noble descent', or 'the noble one'. There is also a connection to the Old Slavic word belo (бѣлъ), which means 'white', which is why Bela can also be interpreted as 'the White'. Furthermore, the name may derive from the Old Hungarian term bél, which means 'heart', 'soul', 'entrails', 'gut', 'inner', or 'inside', leading to the possible meaning 'the Heartfelt'. Bela is also used as a surname and can appear in spoken language as a feminine diminutive of Isabela. In Georgia, the name is predominantly regarded as a female first name. Bela is also the first name of four Hungarian kings. Additionally, the Hebrew name may be a short form of Bileam, derived from the verb of בלע bl I, which means 'to be eloquent'.
Where does the name Bela come from?
The name Bela originates from Old Slavic and can be translated as 'the White' or 'the Noble'. The Old Slavic formation includes belo, which means 'white', as well as the Old Hungarian bél, which refers to 'heart', 'soul', 'entrails', 'gut', 'inner', and 'inside'. The name is common in various languages such as Czech and Hungarian.
How do you pronounce Bela?
Bela is a two-syllable name with a clear structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Be-la' [ˈbeːla], with the first syllable starting with a long E sound that is friendly and bright. The second syllable ends softly and gently. The simple vowel sequence gives Bela a gentle yet determined note - a name with elegant restraint and calm radiance.
When is the name day of Bela?
The name day for Bela is celebrated on April 23.
Popularity
In Germany, Bela enjoys great popularity. The name currently ranks 156th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2019, when it reached 101st place. Over the last ten years, Bela has been given around 5,900 times, placing it 139th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, Bela is ranked 141st. Worldwide, the popularity of the name varies in different countries.
Nicknames & pet names
Baby / Balla / Beelen / Belabub / Belanglos / Beli / Belibu / Belibus / Bella / Bibi / Bla
Similar first names
Famous people
- Béla Anda (former government spokesperson for ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder)
- Bela B. (drummer of 'Die Ärzte')
- Bela Balazs (Hungarian writer)
- Béla Balázs (Hungarian film critic, real name Herbert Bauer)
- Béla Bartok (composer)
- Bela Berger (Hungarian chess player)
- Bela Bodo (hurdler from Hungary)
- Bela Borsodi (photographer from Austria)
- Béla Can Leon (actor)
- Bela Czobel (Hungarian artist)
- Bela Gerster (engineer)
- Béla I, II, III, and IV (Hungarian kings in the 12th and 13th centuries)
- Bela Illes (Hungarian footballer)
- Bela Ivanyi-Grunwald (artist from Hungary)
- Bela Jenbach (Austrian actor)
- Bela Kadar (artist from Hungary)
- Bela Katona (violinist from Hungary)
- Bela Klentze (actor)
- Bela Kolarova (photographer from the Czech Republic)
- Bela Kondor (Hungarian artist)
Frequently asked questions about the name Bela
What does the name Bela mean?
The name Bela originates from Old Slavic and can be translated as 'the White' or 'the Noble'. Additionally, it is often regarded as the Hungarian variant of the name Adalbert.
For which gender is the name Bela suitable?
Bela is traditionally a boy's name, but in some cultures, it is also considered a female first name, for example, in Georgia.
What nicknames are common for Bela?
There are a variety of nicknames for Bela, including Baby, Balla, Beelen, Bella, and Bibi. These pet names can vary depending on preference and cultural context.
How is the name Bela pronounced?
Bela is generally pronounced as 'Beh-lah'. The emphasis is on the first syllable.