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Isabelle

♀ Girl

Pronounced IZ-uh-bel /ˈɪz.ə.bɛl/High

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

In 30 seconds: The elegant French spelling of Isabel, Isabelle traces through Hebrew roots meaning 'pledged to God.' A perennial European royal name, it has been a U.S. top-100 staple for decades.
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Origin HighFrench, Hebrew
MeaningPledged to God, God is my oath — French form of Isabel/Elizabeth, from Hebrew <em>Elisheba</em> (my God is an oath)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 90,340

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802017

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

History & Origin

Isabelle is the French form of Isabel, itself a medieval Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth, from Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'my God is an oath' or 'pledged to God.' The name was carried across Europe by royal marriages during the medieval period, with queens and princesses named Isabelle or Isabel in France, Spain, Portugal, and England.

Isabelle has been in continuous use in France and the broader French-speaking world for centuries. In the United States the French spelling rose strongly in the 1990s and 2000s alongside Isabella, entering the top 100. It offers a slightly more European, refined alternative to the more common Isabella. Famous bearers include the acclaimed French actress Isabelle Huppert.

Did you know? Isabelle of France (1295–1358) — called the 'She-Wolf of France' — was the daughter of King Philip IV of France and wife of King Edward II of England. Her story inspired Christopher Marlowe's play Edward II and centuries of historical fascination.

Variations

IsabelIsabellaIsobel

Nicknames

IzzyBelleBellaIzzie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Isabelle Huppert (b. 1953)
    Acclaimed French actress and two-time César Award winner.

If you like Isabelle…

Isabella— the most popular spelling of the same name with an Italian twist
Isabel— the classic Spanish/Portuguese spelling of the same name
Arabella— elegant three-syllable French-style name ending in -belle

Frequently Asked

What does the name Isabelle mean?

Isabelle means 'pledged to God' or 'God is my oath,' from Hebrew <em>Elisheba</em>, via the French form of Elizabeth.

How do you pronounce Isabelle?

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

Is Isabelle a boy or girl name?

Isabelle is a girls' name.

How popular is Isabelle?

Isabelle has been a U.S. top-100 girls' name since the 2000s, part of the broader Isabella/Isabel family of names.