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Isabella
Pronounced iz-uh-BEL-uh /ˌɪz.əˈbɛl.ə/High
Meaning: Devoted to God; pledged to God; my God is an oathHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Isabella derives through Spanish Isabel from the Latin form of the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'my God is an oath.' It was the preferred royal form of the name in medieval Spain and Italy, borne by queens and noblewomen across southern Europe.
Among the most famous bearers is Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504), who co-sponsored Columbus's voyages. The name entered English use through royal and noble connections and saw a dramatic 21st-century revival, reaching #1 in the U.S. in 2009 and 2010, partly boosted by the Twilight series.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504)Queen of Castile who co-sponsored Columbus's first voyage to the Americas.
- ★Isabella Rossellini (1952–)Italian-American actress and model, daughter of Ingrid Bergman.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Isabella mean?
Isabella is an Italian/Spanish form of Elizabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning 'devoted to God' or 'my God is an oath.'
How do you pronounce Isabella?
Isabella is said iz-uh-BEL-uh /ˌɪz.əˈbɛl.ə/ — four syllables, with stress on the third.
Is Isabella a boy or girl name?
Isabella is used exclusively as a girl's name; the related masculine form is Isaiah or Isidore.
How popular is Isabella?
Isabella was the #1 U.S. girls' name in 2009 and 2010 and has remained in the top ten consistently since.