Declining since 2005, #664 for girls today.
Popularity of Isabela since 1982
Babies named Isabela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 846 |
| 2000s | 5,336 |
| 2010s | 3,961 |
| 2020s | 2,496 |
Meaning & origin
Isabela, the spelling variant of Isabella with one 'l,' entered U.S. naming records in 1982 and saw a peak in popularity in 2004, when it reached its highest rank. Since 2005, its usage has been declining, though it remains a familiar choice. In 2025, it ranked 664th, with about 1 in every 3,773 newborn girls receiving the name. Geographically, Isabela has been most popular in New Mexico, Connecticut, and Florida, reflecting its strong ties to Hispanic and Portuguese-speaking communities. The name's enduring appeal lies in its melodic sound and deep historical roots, connecting modern families to a legacy that spans centuries and cultures. As a variant of Isabella, it shares the meaning 'God is my oath,' a sentiment that has resonated with parents for generations.
Isabela is a spelling variant of Isabella, the Latinate form of Elizabeth. The name traces back to the Hebrew Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' It has been widely used in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking cultures, often associated with royalty and nobility. The spelling with one 'l' is common in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries.
Where Isabela 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.
“Isabela” around the world
Where Isabela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Isa, Bella, Bela, Chabela
Sibling names for Isabela
Names that share Isabela's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sofia, Valentina, Camila, Lucia, Ana, Felipa, Lorena, Isamar, Lisandra, Priscila, Madalena, Analiza, Geovana, Eduarda, Antonieta, Fermina
Brothers: Mateo, Sebastian, Gabriel, Diego, Lucas, Dariel, Gilberto, Homero, Marcelino, Oswaldo, Santiago, Geraldo, Hipolito, Luiz, Matheus, Rojelio, Tiago, Henrique, Joseantonio, Mateus, Ederson, Ezequias, Gonsalo, Joaopedro, Kauan
Names like Isabela
Names whose popularity has moved with Isabela's over the last 50 years.
