Find out how popular the first name Isabella has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Isabella by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Isabella is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Isabella being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10,808 female babies and 8 male babies born with the name Isabella.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby boys were named Isabella in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Isabella

The name Isabella has its origins in the Medieval Latin name "Isabella", which was derived from the older Spanish name "Isabel". The name Isabel itself traces back to the Hebrew name "Elisheba", meaning "God is my oath".

The name Isabella gained widespread popularity in the 13th century after the birth of Princess Isabella of France in 1295. She was the daughter of King Philip IV of France and is considered one of the earliest recorded bearers of the name.

In the 14th century, Isabella of France became Queen of England as the wife of King Edward II. Her name further increased in usage across Europe during this period.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Isabella was Isabella I of Castile, who ruled as Queen of Castile and Aragon from 1474 to 1504. She was an influential monarch who played a crucial role in the Spanish unification and the financing of Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas.

In the 16th century, Isabella Andreini (1562-1604) was an Italian actress, poet, and playwright who gained fame for her performances in commedia dell'arte plays. Her works were widely acclaimed and helped to establish the professional status of actresses in Italy.

Another notable Isabella was Isabella Clara Eugenia (1566-1633), who served as the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1598 to 1633. She was a skilled ruler and patron of the arts, and her court in Brussels attracted many artists and intellectuals.

In the 17th century, Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) was an Italian composer and nun who wrote sacred music and is considered one of the most prolific and innovative composers of her time.

Isabella Rossellini (born 1952) is a modern-day Italian actress, filmmaker, and former model. She is known for her roles in films such as Blue Velvet and her work as a model for Lancôme cosmetics.

The name Isabella has a rich history that spans numerous cultures and centuries, with many notable figures bearing this name throughout the ages.

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

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

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