Isabella is a name of Italian origin that has gained popularity worldwide. It is derived from the Italian word "isabella," which means "devoted to God." The name Isabella was traditionally given to female children born into noble families in Italy, and it was particularly popular among the ruling class during the Renaissance period.
The name Isabella has a rich history and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Isabella of France (1295-1358), who became queen consort of England after marrying King Edward II. She was known for her intelligence, beauty, and political acumen, and played a significant role in medieval English politics.
Another notable figure named Isabella was Isabella I of Spain (1474-1504), also known as Isabella the Catholic. She ruled over Spain alongside her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon, and is credited with unifying Spain and leading the Spanish Reconquista against the Moors. Under her rule, Spain became a major power in Europe, and she was instrumental in funding Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas.
In literature, Isabella is also associated with Shakespeare's tragic play "Measure for Measure," where the character Isabella is a young novice who pleads for her brother's life after he is sentenced to death. The name has also been used by numerous authors throughout history, including E.M. Forster in his novel "A Room with a View" and Gabriel García Márquez in his novella "Isabella Allende."
Today, the name Isabella remains popular around the world, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It has consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular girls' names in many of these countries over the past decade. Despite its Italian origins, Isabella is now considered a universal name that can be used across different cultures and languages.
In summary, the name Isabella has an illustrious history that spans centuries and continents. With its beautiful meaning and association with powerful and intelligent women throughout history, it's easy to see why this name continues to captivate parents and remain popular among baby names today.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Isabella in the United States from 1997 to 2023. The data illustrates a trend towards increased popularity for this name during certain periods.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the number of babies named Isabella was relatively low, ranging between 5 and 11 births per year. However, starting in 2004, there was a significant increase in the popularity of this name, with 49 births recorded that year.
The peak of popularity for the name Isabella occurred between 2007 and 2010, during which time it was among the top names given to newborn girls each year. In 2008 and 2009, there were 27 births each year, and in 2010, this number increased slightly to 30 births.
After 2010, the popularity of the name Isabella began to decline gradually. Between 2011 and 2016, the annual number of babies named Isabella ranged between 18 and 26 births per year. The last five years (2017-2023) show a further decrease in popularity, with fewer than 20 babies named Isabella each year.
Overall, over the course of these 27 years, there were a total of 445 babies born in the United States and named Isabella. This information can provide insights into naming trends and preferences during this period.