Mabel is a charming and distinctive given name of English origin. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval period where it was used as a diminutive form of Amabel, which means "lovable." The name Amabel itself is derived from the Latin words 'amare,' meaning "to love," and 'bella,' meaning "beautiful."
The use of Mabel as an independent given name became popular during the Victorian era in England. It was often used to honor family members or to follow trends set by notable figures such as Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Mary, whose nickname was May but was also known as Mabel.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried this name. One of the most famous is Mabel Lucie Attwell (1879-1964), a renowned English children's book illustrator and cartoonist. Her work remains popular today and has had a significant influence on modern children's literature.
Mabel also gained popularity in North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its usage peaking in the 1890s before declining towards the mid-20th century. Recently, however, there has been renewed interest in this classic name, as many parents seek unique yet timeless options for their children.
In summary, Mabel is a vintage English given name that originated from the Latin word 'amare,' meaning "to love." It became popular during the Victorian era and has been carried by several notable individuals throughout history. Despite its historical popularity, it remains relatively uncommon today, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Mabel in the United States from 1883 to 1940, we can observe several trends and patterns.
Firstly, it's important to note that Mabel was a popular choice of name during this period. Over these 58 years, there were a total of 409 babies named Mabel born in the United States. The name's popularity fluctuated over time, with some years seeing more than ten babies given the name and others less than five.
The most popular years for the name Mabel were during the early 1900s and again in the mid-1910s. Between 1901 and 1904, there were an average of 11 births each year. In fact, the name reached its peak popularity during this time, with 12 births in both 1901 and 1902. The name's popularity dipped slightly after that but remained steady, with an average of around eight to ten births per year until around 1916.
There was another spike in the popularity of the name Mabel between 1914 and 1917, during which there were an average of about twelve births each year. However, this period also marked the beginning of a decline in the name's overall popularity. After 1917, the number of babies named Mabel began to decrease steadily.
By the late 1920s and early 1930s, the name had become relatively uncommon again, with fewer than ten births each year on average. This trend continued until at least 1940, with only five births in both 1937 and 1940.
Overall, while Mabel was a popular choice of name for babies born in the United States between 1883 and 1940, its popularity varied significantly over time. The name's peak popularity occurred during the early 1900s and again in the mid-1910s, but it became less common towards the end of this period.