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Isabel

♀ Girl

Pronounced IZ-uh-bel /ˈɪz.ə.bɛl/High

Meaning: Pledged to God, God is my oath — Spanish/Portuguese form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew <em>Elisheba</em> (my God is an oath)High

In 30 seconds: The classic Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth, Isabel means 'pledged to God' and was borne by queens across medieval Europe. Timeless, elegant, and globally beloved.
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Origin HighSpanish, Hebrew, Portuguese
MeaningPledged to God, God is my oath — Spanish/Portuguese form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew <em>Elisheba</em> (my God is an oath)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 117,059

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200618802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Isabel is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba, meaning 'my God is an oath' or 'pledged to God.' The name spread throughout medieval Europe through royal marriages. It was borne by numerous queens including Isabella I of Castile, Isabella of France, and Isabella of Portugal.

Isabel has been in continuous use in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world for centuries and has been popular in the United States since at least the 1990s, entering the top 100 girls' names in the early 2000s. It is the most traditional spelling alongside Isabella and Isabelle, and carries a slightly more restrained, classic elegance.

Did you know? Queen Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504) — the Spanish Isabel — funded Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage to the Americas. It is arguably the single act that most changed the course of world history to bear this name.

Variations

IsabellaIsabelleIsobel

Nicknames

IzzyBelleBellaIsa

Famous Bearers

  • ★Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504)
    Queen of Castile who unified Spain and sponsored Columbus's voyage to the Americas.

If you like Isabel…

Isabella— the Italian/Latinate elaboration of the same name at the top of U.S. charts
Isabelle— the French spelling of the same name with equal elegance
Camila— classic Spanish girls' name with the same Latin heritage and worldwide appeal
Sofia— another top-ranked Spanish/international classic with similar elegance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Isabel mean?

Isabel is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew <em>Elisheba</em> meaning 'pledged to God' or 'God is my oath.'

How do you pronounce Isabel?

Isabel is pronounced IZ-uh-bel /ˈɪz.ə.bɛl/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Isabel a boy or girl name?

Isabel is a girls' name.

How popular is Isabel?

Isabel has been in the U.S. top 100 girls' names since the early 2000s and remains consistently popular.