Declining since 2003, #176 for girls today.
Popularity of Isabel since 1880
Babies named Isabel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,053 |
| 1890s | 2,047 |
| 1900s | 2,926 |
| 1910s | 7,668 |
| 1920s | 8,315 |
| 1930s | 4,442 |
| 1940s | 3,435 |
| 1950s | 4,041 |
| 1960s | 3,718 |
| 1970s | 3,940 |
| 1980s | 4,962 |
| 1990s | 16,104 |
| 2000s | 36,042 |
| 2010s | 22,586 |
| 2020s | 10,871 |
Meaning & origin
Isabel has been in consistent use since 1880, the first year of U.S. Social Security data, and as of 2025 it ranks 176th. About 1 in every 921 baby girls receives this name, reflecting steady appeal. Its popularity peaked in 2003, after which it has seen a gradual decline, a trajectory the data confirms as falling since that year. The name is especially prevalent in top states such as District of Columbia, Alaska, and Rhode Island. Isabel's enduring charm lies in its classic elegance and cross-cultural adaptability, remaining a familiar choice without feeling dated.
Isabel is a Spanish form of the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' It emerged in medieval Spain and spread across Europe, especially in Portugal and France. The name became widely used in the English-speaking world in the 19th century and remains popular today.
Where Isabel 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.
“Isabel” around the world
Where Isabel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
37
babies in 2025
New Zealand
33
babies in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Izzy, Isa, Bella, Belle
Sibling names for Isabel
Names that share Isabel's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Abigail, Hailey, Annika, Daniela, Elvira, Susana, Anabel, Estela, Graciela, Halle, Joana, Josefina, Juana, Marcela, Marjory, Adelaida, Agustina, Claribel, Concha, Criselda, Enriqueta, Felisa, Josefa, Andreia, Aracelis, Isidra, Janneth, Jennett, Joaquina, Luzelena, Manuelita, Marieta, Marisabel, Marisel, Marybel, Massiel, Mirabel, Montoya, Nicolasa, Paulita, Genoveva, Ignacia, Josefita, Leonila, Miguelina, Rosamund, Arabel, Dorismar, Arisbel, Casilda, Dorotea, Feliza, Lucita, Marianita, Martita, Paquita, Sabel, Secily
Brothers: Ethan, Oliver, Gabriel, Samuel, Lucas, Jose, Manuel, Wallace, Amador, Edwardo, Heriberto, Hilario, Raymundo, Wilfredo, Arnoldo, Benigno, Catarino, Edmundo, Erskine, Fermin, Gabino, Horacio, Leobardo, Lionell, Manolo, Narciso, Porfirio, Ramone, Ulisses, Ambrosio, Casimiro, Cirilo, Ector, Eleno, Froilan, Guilherme, Ildefonso, Joaquim, Juanluis, Olegario, Rogerio, Saulo, Toribio, Adelaido, Andriel, Cristino, Delfin, Eligha, Graciano, Josemaria, Juanmiguel, Lyonel, Natalio, Raimundo, Regino, Seve, Tirso, Angeldejesus, Anguel, Atilano, Balian, Castulo, Eziel, Isaul, Josecarlos, Josuel, Malcomb, Manolito, Roniel, Victormanuel
Names like Isabel
Names whose popularity has moved with Isabel's over the last 50 years.
