Chela

Meaning of Chela

Chela drifts off the tongue like a warm Mediterranean breeze, pronounced CHEE-luh (/ˈtʃiːlə/), and carries the gentle strength of its Spanish roots as a diminutive of Graciela—“one graced by favor.” At the same time, it nods to the classical Latin chela, a steadfast pincer that shields and supports, evoking protection as tender as a parent’s embrace. In lively Latin American slang, ordering a “chela” can spark laughter over frosty cervezas, adding a dash of convivial humor to the name’s dignified elegance. Though never a runaway bestseller, Chela quietly blossomed in Virginia in 1985, appearing 27 times and earning the rank of 112—a subtle flourish on the canvas of newborn charts. Those named Chela entwine heritage with heart, weaving a narrative of grace, resilience, and the warm glow of shared moments.