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

Popularity of Mabel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mabel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,125 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mabel.

The history of the first name Mabel

The name Mabel has its origins in the Latin language, derived from the word "amabilis," which translates to "lovable" or "endearing." It gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions where Latin was widely spoken, such as parts of Europe and the Mediterranean.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mabel can be traced back to the 12th century. A notable figure bearing this name was Mabel of Gloucester, a Welsh princess and daughter of Robert Fitzhamon, who lived from around 1090 to 1157. She played a significant role in the Norman conquest of Wales and was renowned for her influential position within the Welsh nobility.

In the 13th century, Mabel de Beaumont, a noblewoman from England, gained prominence. Born around 1210, she was a member of the powerful Beaumont family and held substantial landholdings in the counties of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Her name appeared in various historical records of the time, reflecting the growing popularity of the name among the aristocratic classes.

During the Renaissance period, the name Mabel gained further recognition with the birth of Mabel Plantagenet, a member of the English royal family. Born in 1510, she was the daughter of Sir Richard Plantagenet and held a respected position within the Tudor court. Her life and legacy were documented in various historical accounts, further solidifying the name's association with nobility and prominence.

In the 17th century, Mabel Hick, an English Quaker minister and influential figure in the early Quaker movement, made her mark on history. Born in 1614, she traveled extensively, spreading the Quaker teachings and advocating for religious freedom. Her writings and speeches have been preserved, providing valuable insights into the religious landscape of that era.

Another notable figure bearing the name Mabel was Mabel Normand, an American silent film actress, screenwriter, and one of the most popular comedic performers of the early 20th century. Born in 1892, she appeared in numerous films and was known for her collaborations with influential directors like Charlie Chaplin and Mack Sennett. Normand's contributions to the burgeoning film industry were widely recognized and celebrated during her lifetime.

While the name Mabel has its roots in antiquity, it has continued to be used throughout various historical periods, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. These examples illustrate the enduring appeal and significance of the name, which has been borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds and eras, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields and societies.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!