What does Isabella mean and where does it come from?
Isabella is a beautiful name with Italian and Spanish roots, derived from the Hebrew name 'Elisheba' (אֱלִישֶׁבַע), which means 'God is my oath.' It was popularized in Spain during the Middle Ages and has been associated with multiple European queens, including Isabella of Castile, who sponsored Chr
Cultural significance
Isabella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 2009 — currently #7 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Isabella?
Isabella works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Isabella Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Isabella Rose
Floral · soft ending
Isabella Mae
Sweet · timeless
Isabella Claire
French influence · crisp
Isabella Jane
Literary · strong
Isabella Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Isabella right now?
Holding steady — currently #7 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7 | 10,853 | ▼ down 1 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #6 | 11,747 | ▲ up 1 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #7 | 11,297 | stable · -6% births |
| 2020 | #7 | 12,066 | ▼ down 2 · -23% births |
| 2015 | #5 | 15,617 | ▼ down 4 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #1 | 22,913 | ▲ up 5 · +51% births |
| 2005 | #6 | 15,186 | ▲ up 39 · +143% births |
| 2000 | #45 | 6,242 | ▲ up 129 · +259% births |
| 1995 | #174 | 1,738 | ▲ up 720 · +708% births |
| 1990 | #894 | 215 | ▲ up 1854 · +532% births |
| 1985 | #2748 | 34 | ▼ down 260 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #2488 | 38 | ▲ up 30 · +23% births |
| 1975 | #2518 | 31 | ▼ down 435 · -21% births |
| 1970 | #2083 | 39 | ▼ down 253 |
| 1965 | #1830 | 39 | — |
The story of Isabella
Isabella has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 2009, making it the most popular girl name in America that year. More than 361,209 babies have been named Isabella since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #215 in 1880 to #7 in 2023. Isabella is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Isabella in 2009:
Isabella by decade
Isabella peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 603 | |
| 1890s | 903 | |
| 1900s | 1,038 | |
| 1910s | 2,046 | |
| 1920s | 2,095 | |
| 1930s | 1,079 | |
| 1940s | 774 | |
| 1950s | 588 | |
| 1960s | 430 | |
| 1970s | 301 | |
| 1980s | 565 | |
| 1990s | 18,762 | |
| 2000s | 149,709 | |
| 2010s ★ | 170,241 | |
| 2020s | 12,075 | |
What are good nicknames for Isabella?
DANISH
EliEliseEllaElseLillyLisLisaLisbetLiseLissi
DUTCH
BetjeEliseEllyElsElseElsjeIlseIsaLiesLieseLiesjeLisa
ENGLISH
BellaBelleBessBessieBethBetsyBetteBettieBettyBettyeBuffyElisaEliseElissaElizaEllaElleEllieEllyElsaElsieElyseIbbieIssyIzzyLeannaLeesaLianaLibbieLibbyLiddyLilianLilianaLilibetLilibethLilliaLillianLillianaLisaLiseLisetteLizLizaLizbethLizetteLizzieLizzyLysetteSabellaTetty
Famous people named Isabella
II
Isabella I of Castile
Queen of Castile who sponsored Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas
IR
Isabella Rossellini
Italian-American actress and model, daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini
BT
Bella Thorne
American actress, director, and singer known for Shake It Up and Midnight Sun
Io
Isabella of France
Queen of England as wife of Edward II, known as the "She-Wolf of France"
IB
Isabella Bird
Victorian-era explorer and travel writer, one of the first women elected to the Royal Geographical Society
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Isabella?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Isabella also consider these
How is Isabella written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Isabella
What does the name Isabella mean?
Isabella means "God is my oath" — a name rooted in Italian tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Isabella?
Isabella is currently ranked #7 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Isabella?
Isabella originates from Italian tradition. Italian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Isabella?
Isabella is a four-syllable name pronounced IH2 Z AH0 B EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Isabella?
Isabella pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.