Bright, shining light or gazelle
Aela is a name with multiple potential roots, often associated with the Arabic word for gazelle or as a variant of names meaning light. In modern contexts, it has gained popularity through fantasy literature and gaming, giving it a mystical and ethereal quality. It is appreciated for its simple, vowel-heavy sound which fits current naming trends while remaining rare.
About 61 girls were named Aela in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
A prominent member of the Companions and a werewolf · The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
