Declining since 2007, #166 for girls today.
Popularity of Isabelle since 1880
Babies named Isabelle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,092 |
| 1890s | 1,890 |
| 1900s | 2,514 |
| 1910s | 7,255 |
| 1920s | 6,964 |
| 1930s | 2,761 |
| 1940s | 1,470 |
| 1950s | 1,028 |
| 1960s | 817 |
| 1970s | 465 |
| 1980s | 692 |
| 1990s | 7,276 |
| 2000s | 32,871 |
| 2010s | 28,507 |
| 2020s | 12,160 |
Meaning & origin
Isabelle has been a steady presence on U.S. baby name charts since 1880, the earliest year for which records exist. It reached its peak popularity in 2007, when it ranked highest among girls' names. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, though it remains a well-used choice, ranking 166th in 2025 with an incidence of about 1 in 881 newborns. The name is especially prevalent in states like Vermont, North Dakota, and New Hampshire. Isabelle's enduring appeal likely stems from its elegant French sound and its connection to the classic Elizabeth, offering a softer yet still traditional alternative.
Isabelle is the French form of Elizabeth, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' It gained popularity in medieval France and England, often used interchangeably with Isabel. The name spread across Europe through royal and noble families, and has remained consistently popular in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Where Isabelle 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.
“Isabelle” around the world
Where Isabelle lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
#34
in 2025
New Zealand
#58
in 2025
Quebec
15
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#58
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Izzy, Belle, Issy, Bella, Isa
Sibling names for Isabelle
Names that share Isabelle's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Charlotte, Sophie, Emily, Grace, Olivia, Annabelle, Emilie, Gabrielle, Anabelle, Elaina, Heaven, Nathalie, Abrielle, Charolette, Clarabelle, Gizelle, Jaquelin, Leonore, Adelena, Adelynne, Alicen, Ambrielle, Angelin, Annarose, Aryelle, Emanuelle, Emelin, Gabryelle, Gissele, Lorelie, Abygale, Anabeth, Aribelle, Avaline, Eleonore, Gabrelle, Madaleine, Annebelle, Arelie, Gizzelle, Guiselle, Marabelle, Miabelle
Brothers: Benjamin, William, James, Henry, Samuel, Alain, Alexandre, Pierre, Stephane, Christophe, Philippe, Sebastien, Fabien, Gaetan, Jerrit, Philipe
Names like Isabelle
Names whose popularity has moved with Isabelle's over the last 50 years.
