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

Popularity of Mable by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 61 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mable.

The history of the first name Mable

The name Mable has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to the Medieval period. It is derived from the Latin word "amabilis," which means "lovable" or "worthy of love." The name likely emerged as a diminutive form of the name Amabel or Amabilia, both of which were popular during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mable can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England completed in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Mabilia" and "Mabilia," indicating its widespread use during that time period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have been bestowed with the name Mable. One of the earliest examples is Mable of Bellême (c. 1090-1155), a powerful Norman noblewoman who held significant influence in England and France during the 12th century. Another historical figure is Mable Howard (1605-1675), an English poet and playwright who was part of the literary circle surrounding John Donne.

In the realm of literature, the name Mable gained prominence through the works of Charles Dickens. The character of Mable Childers, known as "Merry Mable," appears in his novel "The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit" (1843-1844). This fictional character is remembered for her cheerful and vivacious personality.

Another notable Mable was Mable Normand (1892-1930), a pioneering American actress and one of the most popular comedic film stars of the silent film era. She appeared in numerous films alongside legendary actors like Charlie Chaplin and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.

In the world of music, Mable John (1930-2022) was an American soul singer and songwriter best known for her hit single "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)," which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966.

While the name Mable has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the centuries, its enduring presence throughout history is a testament to its timeless appeal and rich cultural heritage.

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

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

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