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Isabelle Girl

Popularity: #166 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationiz-uh-BEL / ɪzəˈbɛl

Hebrew; French; Spanish

Meaning

Hebrew: pledged to God; French: God is my oath; Spanish: devoted to God

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Isabelle has its roots in the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath." This name was adapted into Greek as Elisabet and later into Latin as Elisabetha. The name made its way into Old French as Isabelle, where it became popularized in medieval times. The transition into English occurred through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when the name was introduced to England alongside many other Norman names, becoming a favored choice among the nobility and the upper classes.

Historically, the name Isabelle has been borne by several notable figures, including Isabelle of France, a 13th-century saint and the daughter of King Louis VIII of France. Another significant bearer was Isabella I of Castile, who reigned in the late 15th century and is known for her role in the unification of Spain and the sponsorship of Christopher Columbus's voyages. The name also appears in various literary works, including Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure," where the character Isabella embodies themes of virtue and moral integrity.

Culturally, Isabelle has been associated with qualities such as devotion and loyalty, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has often been linked to themes of faithfulness and commitment, resonating through various traditions and religious contexts. Diminutive forms such as Bella or Izzy have emerged over time, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. The enduring appeal of Isabelle can be attributed to its historical significance and the positive attributes associated with its meaning, ensuring its place in various cultural narratives.

Trend Summary

Isabelle has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Isabel
  • Bella
  • Izzy

International Variants

  • Isabel (Spanish)
  • Isabelle (French)
  • Isabella (Italian)
  • Isobel (Scottish)

Famous people named Isabelle

Isabelle Adjani is an actress best known for The Story of Adele H., Camille Claudel, and La Reine Margot.

Isabelle Huppert is an actress best known for The Piano Teacher, Elle, and La Cérémonie.

Isabelle Fuhrman is an actress best known for Orphan, The Hunger Games, and The Novice.

Fictional characters named Isabelle

Isabelle is a fictional character from the video game series Animal Crossing. She is a cheerful and hardworking Shih Tzu who serves as the player's assistant in managing their town.

Isabelle Lightwood is a fictional character from The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. She is a skilled Shadowhunter known for her fierce loyalty and combat abilities.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Isabelle was first seen in the United States in 1880. Isabelle has ranked as high as #184 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Isabelle has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Isabelle (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 176
11%
TX 131
8%
NY 106
6%
OH 82
5%
IL 72
4%
MA 65
4%
FL 62
4%
CO 59
4%
VA 59
4%
PA 58
3%
GA 57
3%
MN 49
3%
IN 49
3%
NC 47
3%
MO 47
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188080
188182
188281
188391
1884115
1885105
1886136
1887108
1888153
1889141
1890156
1891130
1892213
1893205
1894184
1895205
1896180
1897215
1898221
1899181
1900224
1901194
1902204
1903213
1904223
1905253
1906278
1907291
1908308
1909326
1910389
1911377
1912520
1913606
1914739
1915942
1916927
1917982
1918886
1919887
1920899
1921846
1922794
1923723
1924759
1925709
1926637
1927569
1928533
1929495
1930437
1931390
1932364
1933330
1934272
1935251
1936225
1937179
1938162
1939151
1940188
1941157
1942176
1943160
1944148
1945131
1946124
1947151
1948124
1949111
1950103
1951122
1952112
1953109
195498
195598
195688
1957110
195882
1959106
196097
1961104
196298
196390
1964104
196580
196673
196762
196853
196957
197057
197145
197257
197341
197446
197552
197647
197740
197838
197942
198046
198147
198233
198346
198462
198546
198661
198792
1988121
1989139
1990171
1991194
1992241
1993281
1994444
1995509
1996726
19971,164
19981,592
19991,954
20002,340
20012,943
20023,063
20033,113
20043,099
20053,284
20064,042
20074,105
20083,573
20093,306
20102,898
20112,669
20122,507
20132,762
20143,080
20153,224
20163,038
20173,168
20182,652
20192,505
20202,253
20212,392
20222,106
20231,792
20241,778