Isabel is a female given name of Spanish and German origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'izzi' meaning ice and 'hiltja' meaning battle. Thus, Isabel means "she who is dedicated to God" or "she who is pure". In Germany, Isabel was also associated with the Spanish queen Isabella I, contributing to its popularity there.
The name Isabel has been used in various forms throughout history. Its most common variants include Isabella, Isabelle, Izabela, and Izabella, among others. In medieval England, it was popularized by Queen Isabel of Angoulême, who married King John without his consent in 1200. She later bore him five children and became an influential figure at the court.
In Spain, Isabel la Católica (Isabella I) played a significant role in the name's popularity. As queen regnant from 1474 until her death in 1504, she unified the country under Catholic rule, expelled the Moors from Granada, and funded Christopher Columbus' voyage to the New World in 1492.
Today, Isabel continues to be a widely used name around the world. Its popularity may be attributed to its strong historical roots and its timeless charm. Whether spelt Isabel or Isabella, this classic name remains a beloved choice for parents seeking a traditional yet elegant name for their daughter.
The name Isbel has seen a steady but relatively low number of births in the United States over the past two decades. In 1997, there were 5 babies named Isbel, and this number remained consistent with another 5 births recorded in 2019. However, there was a slight increase between these years, with 6 births registered in both 2009 and 2020.
Over the entire period from 1997 to 2020, a total of 22 babies were named Isbel in the United States. While this number is not exceptionally high compared to other names, it does indicate that the name has maintained some level of popularity among parents during these years.