Isabella is a classic and elegant female given name of Italian origin, derived from the Italian word 'isabelle', which means "devoted to God". It gained popularity during the Middle Ages through its association with several prominent historical figures, such as Isabella of France, who became queen consort of England in the 14th century. In literature, Isabella is also a character in Shakespeare's play Measure for Measure and is famously depicted by Edgar Allan Poe in his narrative poem "The Bells". The name has been consistently popular throughout history, appearing in various forms across different cultures, including Isabel, Isabelle, and Izabela. It reached peak popularity in the United States during the 1990s but remains widely used today. Isabella is often associated with beauty, grace, and sophistication, reflecting its timeless appeal as a name choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Isabella has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past two decades. From just five births in 1997, its popularity surged dramatically to peak at 49 births in 2004, more than nine times its initial rate. However, since then, there has been a steady decline, reaching as low as eight births in 2023. Overall, the name Isabella has been given to 445 newborns between 1997 and 2023.