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Isabela

♀ Girl

Pronounced iz-uh-BEL-uh /ˌɪz.əˈbɛl.ə/High

Meaning: Spanish and Portuguese form of Isabel, itself a variant of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba meaning my God is an oath or my God is abundance; the single-l spelling is the standard Portuguese formHigh

In 30 seconds: The Portuguese spelling of Isabella, Isabela retains all the grace of its Hebrew-rooted name — pledged to God — while the single-l gives it a cleaner Iberian elegance.
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Origin HighSpanish, Hebrew, Portuguese
MeaningSpanish and Portuguese form of Isabel, itself a variant of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba meaning my God is an oath or my God is abundance; the single-l spelling is the standard Portuguese form
U.S. rank (2025)#664 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births426 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2004
Total births (all-time)≈ 12,695

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200419822025

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

History & Origin

Isabela is the Portuguese and Spanish single-l spelling of Isabella, which itself is a medieval Latinate form of Isabel, a variant of Elizabeth. The name traces back to Hebrew Elisheba, meaning my God is an oath or my God is abundance. Isabel became a widespread royal name in medieval Iberia, borne by queens of Castile, Portugal, and Aragon.

In the United States, Isabela (single l) is used primarily within Portuguese-speaking Brazilian communities and among Spanish-speaking families who prefer the Iberian spelling. The double-l form Isabella has been consistently in the top 5 U.S. girls' names in the 2000s and 2010s. Isabela offers a slightly more distinctive, international option with the same magnificent heritage.

Did you know? Queen Isabel I of Castile (1451–1504), known as Isabella the Catholic, was one of the most powerful monarchs in history — she sponsored Columbus's voyage to the Americas, completing the Reconquista, and standardized the Spanish Inquisition.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Isabel — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

IsabellaIsabelIzabela

Nicknames

IsaBellaBelleIsa

Famous Bearers

  • ★Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504)
    Queen of Castile and León, sponsor of Columbus's 1492 voyage.

If you like Isabela…

Isabella— direct double-l variant sharing the same root and near-identical sound
Arabella— shares the four-syllable romantic -ella ending and the same flowing elegance
Isadora— shares the Isa- opening and the same classical, melodic quality
Camila— fellow popular Spanish/Portuguese feminine name with the same Latin American resonance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Isabela mean?

Isabela means pledged to God or God is my oath, from Hebrew Elisheba via the Spanish/Portuguese form of Elizabeth.

How do you pronounce Isabela?

It is said iz-uh-BEL-uh /ˌɪz.əˈbɛl.ə/ — four syllables with stress on the third.

What is the difference between Isabela and Isabella?

Isabela (one l) is the standard Portuguese and sometimes Spanish spelling; Isabella (two l's) is the Italian/English form. Both are equally valid.

Is Isabela a popular name?

The double-l Isabella has been a top-5 U.S. girls' name; Isabela (single l) is used primarily in Portuguese-speaking communities.