Annabel is a female given name with origins in the medieval English language, derived from the Hebrew name Hannah and the French form Anne, combined with the Germanic element "belle" meaning "beautiful." The name Annabel first emerged in the late 12th century and gained popularity during the Middle Ages across parts of Europe, particularly in England and France.

The Hebrew name Hannah is rooted in the ancient Semitic languages and is believed to mean "grace" or "favor." The French form Anne was commonly used in medieval Europe, stemming from the Latin name Anna, which was derived from the Hebrew name Hannah. The addition of the Germanic element "belle" to create Annabel reflects the influence of medieval French culture and language on English naming practices during that era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Annabel can be found in the 13th-century English poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," where a character named Lady Annabel is mentioned. This literary reference highlights the name's usage among the English nobility during the medieval period.

In the 16th century, Annabel was the name of a character in the allegorical work "The Faerie Queene" by Edmund Spenser, the renowned English poet. This further solidified the name's association with English literature and culture.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Annabel. One example is Annabel Drummond (1350-1401), a Scottish noblewoman who was the mistress of King Robert III of Scotland. Another is Annabel Lee (1762-1849), an American poet and the wife of Edgar Allan Poe, who famously wrote the poem "Annabel Lee" in her memory.

Annabel Akterberg (1842-1919) was a Swedish author and feminist activist, known for her contributions to the women's rights movement in Sweden. Annabel Gillham (1924-2015) was a British actress and playwright, best known for her roles in various television series and stage productions.

Annabel Gresh (born 1974) is a French author and journalist, known for her books on spirituality and personal growth. These examples illustrate the enduring popularity of the name Annabel across different cultures and time periods.