Novella
Novella is an Italian name derived from the Latin word *novella*, meaning “new,” “young,” or “fresh.” The word historically referred to something newly created or recently appearing, conveying a sense of renewal and new beginnings.
Novella developed in Italy from the Latin adjective *novella*, a feminine form related to *novus* meaning “new.” In medieval and Renaissance Italian, the word was used both as a descriptive term and as a personal name. The name appears historically in Italian records and religious contexts, sometimes associated with saints and local traditions. Beyond naming, the term novella also became widely known in literature as a word describing a short narrative story. As a given name, Novella carries classical Latin roots and reflects traditional Italian naming heritage.
Forms
Common spellings and forms used in different languages.
Related names
Similar names connected by origin, usage, gender, or category.
More names starting with N
FAQ
Quick answers about this name.
Is Novella a boy or girl name?
Novella is typically a girl’s name.
What does Novella mean?
Novella is an Italian name derived from the Latin word *novella*, meaning “new,” “young,” or “fresh.” The word historically referred to something newly created or recently appearing, conveying a sense of renewal and new beginnings.
Where does Novella come from?
Novella is commonly associated with Latin.
What are the forms of Novella?
Common forms and spellings include: Nova, Novah, Novalee, Novaleigh.
Where is Novella used?
Novella is used in naming traditions such as Italian.
Part of Names Archive — a reference-style collection of name meanings and origins.