Jezabelle

Meaning & origin

Jezabelle is a modern respelling of the biblical name Jezebel, whose origin is Hebrew, though the exact meaning remains uncertain and debated. The name has historically carried strong negative connotations due to the biblical queen, who was portrayed as manipulative and idolatrous, leading to 'jezebel' being used as a derogatory term. However, in recent decades, some parents have been drawn to the phonetic appeal and the fashionable -belle suffix, creating a softer version. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name first appeared in 2000, and its peak year was 2014, with around 8 births. Since 2013, its usage has been declining, reflecting a trajectory away from this particular biblical revival. The name has never reached the top 1,000 rankings, nor does it have any documented top states of use, remaining a very rare choice.

Jezabelle is a modern respelling of the biblical name Jezebel, derived from the Hebrew name אִיזֶבֶל (Izevel), of uncertain meaning, possibly 'where is the prince?' or 'unexalted.' In the Hebrew Bible, Jezebel was the Phoenician wife of King Ahab of Israel, known for promoting the worship of Baal; her name later became a byword for a wicked, shameless woman. The variant Jezabelle emerged in the late 20th century as part of a trend of feminine names ending in -belle, softening the original's harsh associations. Despite its negative historical connotation, the name has seen sporadic use in the United States, peaking in 2014 with fewer than 10 births that year.