Find out how popular the first name Annabela has been for the last 13 years (from 2002 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Annabela by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Annabela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Annabela.

The history of the first name Annabela

The name Annabela has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the root words "Anna" and "bella." The name Anna has Hebrew roots and means "grace" or "favor," while the Latin word "bella" signifies "beautiful." Thus, the name Annabela carries the connotation of "beautiful grace" or "graceful beauty."

In the Middle Ages, the name Annabela gained popularity across various European regions, particularly in Italy, Spain, and France. It was often associated with aristocratic families and was considered a name of distinction and elegance. During the Renaissance period, the name appeared in literary works and historical records, further cementing its cultural significance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Annabela can be found in the 13th century, when it was mentioned in a chronicle by the Italian historian Giovanni Villani. The chronicle documented the life of Annabela di Montefeltro, a noblewoman from the prominent Montefeltro family in Italy, who lived during the late 13th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Annabela. One such figure was Annabela de Almada (1450-1518), a Portuguese noblewoman who played a significant role in the court of King Manuel I of Portugal. Another historical figure was Annabela Gonzaga (1537-1598), an Italian noble and patron of the arts, renowned for her support of artists and intellectuals during the Renaissance.

In the 17th century, Annabela Drummond (1617-1672) was a Scottish noblewoman and courtier who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Henrietta Maria of England. Her memoirs provide valuable insights into the court life of the time.

Moving forward to the 19th century, Annabela Milbanke (1792-1860) was an English aristocrat and the wife of the renowned poet Lord Byron. Their tumultuous marriage and eventual separation became a subject of public fascination and literary discourse.

In the world of literature, Annabela was the name of a character in the play "The Mourning Bride" by English playwright William Congreve, first performed in 1697. The play's tragic heroine, Annabela, became a symbol of ill-fated love and emotional turmoil.

These examples illustrate the enduring presence of the name Annabela throughout various eras and cultures, often associated with nobility, artistic patronage, and literary significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Annabela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Annabela, please contact us.

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