Find out how popular the first name Armelle has been for the last 17 years (from 2005 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Armelle by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Armelle is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Armelle.

The history of the first name Armelle

The name Armelle originated from the Breton language, which is a Celtic language spoken in Brittany, a cultural region located in the northwest of France. The name's roots can be traced back to the early medieval period, around the 5th to 7th centuries.

Armelle is derived from the Breton words "armel" or "arzhell," which means "bear." In some cases, it is also believed to be related to the Latin word "humilis," meaning "humble" or "lowly." The name was likely given to children with the intention of instilling humility or a connection with nature and strength.

The earliest recorded use of the name Armelle can be found in the Cartulaire de Redon, a medieval cartulary (a collection of charters and records) from the Redon Abbey in Brittany, dating back to the 9th century. This document contains several entries featuring individuals with the name Armelle, suggesting its widespread use in the region during that time.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Armelle was Armelle de Clisson (born around 1300), a Breton noblewoman and the wife of Olivier V de Clisson, a prominent military leader during the Hundred Years' War. Another figure from history was Armelle de Bretagne (c. 1353-1384), a Breton princess and the daughter of John IV, Duke of Brittany.

In religious texts, the name Armelle is associated with Saint Armelle (c. 548-628), also known as Saint Armelle of Brittany. She was a Breton princess who renounced her noble status to become a nun and later founded the Monastery of Ploërmel in Brittany.

Other notable individuals with the name Armelle include Armelle Nicolas (1927-2021), a French author and journalist, and Armelle Deutsch (born 1959), a French singer and actress. Additionally, Armelle Leroy (born 1960) is a French politician and member of the National Assembly.

Throughout history, the name Armelle has maintained a strong connection to its Breton roots, symbolizing humility, nature, and strength. While its popularity may have fluctuated over time, it remains an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Brittany region.

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 Armelle was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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