Declining since 2017, #2,298 for girls today.
Popularity of Isobel since 1894
Babies named Isobel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 42 |
| 1900s | 129 |
| 1910s | 366 |
| 1920s | 422 |
| 1930s | 190 |
| 1940s | 81 |
| 1950s | 51 |
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 270 |
| 2000s | 715 |
| 2010s | 981 |
| 2020s | 523 |
Meaning & origin
Isobel is a Scottish variant of Isabel, with roots in the Hebrew name Elizabeth. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1894 and peaked in popularity in 2016. Since 2017, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, it ranked 2,298th, with approximately 1 in 20,345 girls receiving the name. Its highest concentrations are in California, New York, and Texas. The name has a classic, literary feel, often associated with Scottish heritage and elegance, making it a distinctive choice that remains recognizable without being overly common.
Isobel is the Scottish form of Isabel, which itself derives from the Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning 'God is my oath.' The name Isobel has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages, appearing in records as early as the 14th century. It remained common in Scotland and England, with notable bearers in Scottish nobility.
Where Isobel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Isobel” around the world
Where Isobel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
18
babies in 2025
New Zealand
20
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Izzy, Issy, Belle, Isa
Sibling names for Isobel
Names that share Isobel's style, for a brother or sister.
