Rising since 1988, #213 for girls today.
Popularity of Arabella since 1881
Babies named Arabella per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 48 |
| 1890s | 62 |
| 1900s | 85 |
| 1910s | 167 |
| 1920s | 166 |
| 1930s | 95 |
| 1940s | 62 |
| 1950s | 72 |
| 1960s | 69 |
| 1970s | 52 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 305 |
| 2000s | 3,108 |
| 2010s | 15,120 |
| 2020s | 8,501 |
Meaning & origin
Arabella has a long history as a given name, first recorded in the United States in 1881. It has been on an upward trajectory since 1988, with its peak popularity occurring in 2017. In recent years, approximately 1 in 1,129 baby girls have been named Arabella, making it a moderately common choice. The name has seen particular favor in states like West Virginia, Alaska, and Maine. Its elegant sound and aristocratic associations have contributed to its enduring appeal, blending classic charm with a modern flair.
Arabella likely emerged as a Scottish variant of Annabel in the 16th century, later influenced by the Latin word 'orabilis' (yielding to prayer). It was borne by Lady Arabella Stuart, a 17th-century English noblewoman. The name saw a revival in the 19th century and has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Arabella is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Arabella” around the world
Where Arabella lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
#96
in 2025
New Zealand
#78
in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ara, Bella, Belle, Ari
Variants: Arabell, Arabele
Sibling names for Arabella
Names that share Arabella's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Adelaide, Beatrice, Cordelia, Eleanor, Juliet, Annabella, Drucilla, Clarabelle, Claribel, Imogen, Lovella, Seraphina, Adelena, Airabella, Carolena, Christabel, Esmerelda, Ezmeralda, Marilla, Princella, Rosabella, Adabelle, Almadelia, Ariabella, Armella, Bellarose, Castella, Christabelle, Cristabel, Jeweliana, Sybella, Zabella, Evangaline, Adabella, Amoreena, Armenia, Drucella, Elizabella, Erabella, Evangelyne, Ezmerelda, Isobella, Jessabelle, Jezabelle, Kabella, Kattaleia, Luciella, Lucindia, Marabelle, Milady, Sarabella, Stellarose
Brothers: Arthur, Benedict, Edmund, Julian, Sebastian, Sebastion
Names like Arabella
Names whose popularity has moved with Arabella's over the last 50 years.
