Daily AncestorDella
Della was a common nickname for Bridget in American records of the 1800s and early 1900s.
A Vita Brevis guide from American Ancestors lists Della, with Delia, among the names used for Bridget. Della was also given as a name of its own, so it does not always hide a Bridget.
If a search for Bridget finds nothing, try Della, and the reverse. Treat a match as a lead and confirm it with age, birthplace and family members.
As seen in a recordCounty newspaper death notice, 1917; her death certificate gives Bridget
Mrs. Della Elwell, aged 49, died at her home Sept. 23, 1917
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Della." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/nicknames/della. Last checked 2026-10-15.