beɪˈlɑː, beɪˈlɒː, biˈɛlə

Definitions

1. noun

a female given name in some Slavic cultures, derived from the Slavic word for ‘bright’ or ‘beauty’; or a term used to refer to a type of female vampire in some Eastern European folklore

“In the Slavic tradition, her name Bela was chosen for its meaning, which represented the light and beauty she sought to embody.”

2. adjective

having a light or fair complexion; pale

“In the old country, people with a fair complexion like Bela’s were often considered rare and beautiful.”