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Home › Baby Names Directory › Arabel

Arabel

♀ Girl

Pronounced AIR-uh-bel /ˈær.ə.bɛl/High

Meaning: A clipped form of Arabella, a medieval Scottish name usually derived from Latin orabilis ('yielding to prayer, entreatable') and later reshaped toward Latin bella, 'beautiful'.Low

In 30 seconds: Arabella, trimmed: Arabel carries 'yielding to prayer' — later heard as 'beautiful' (said 'AIR-uh-bel').
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Origin MediumLatin, Scottish
MeaningA clipped form of Arabella, a medieval Scottish name usually derived from Latin orabilis ('yielding to prayer, entreatable') and later reshaped toward Latin bella, 'beautiful'.
U.S. rank (2024)#13596 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 167

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201519152024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Arabel is a short form of Arabella, recorded in Scotland from the twelfth century. Scholars trace it to Latin orabilis, 'yielding to prayer', with later reshaping toward bella, 'beautiful'. Trim and antique, it wears well (said 'AIR-uh-bel').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records, far behind Arabella. Rare, vintage, and quietly elegant.

Did you know? Arabella first appears in medieval Scotland, likely from Latin orabilis, 'yielding to prayer'. Over time the -bella ending pulled it toward 'beautiful'. Arabel is its trimmer, older-feeling cousin (said 'AIR-uh-bel').
Overall data confidence 52%
References — Arabel — Arabella short form; Latin orabilis

Variations

ArabellaArabelleAribel

Nicknames

AraBellaBelle

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Arabel…

Arabella— the fuller name behind it
Annabel— a near-twin in shape
Isabel— a like -bel classic
Arabelle— a same-sound French finish

Explore names like Arabel

By themeshortvintageelegantdocumented

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Arabel mean?

It shortens Arabella, usually traced to Latin orabilis, 'yielding to prayer', and later linked to bella, 'beautiful'.

How do you pronounce Arabel?

It's said AIR-uh-bel — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Arabel a boy or girl name?

Arabel is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Arabel?

Arabel is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.

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