Arabella is a beautiful and unique name of Italian origin that means "beautiful fairy." It is composed of two elements: "Arabia," which refers to the Arabian Peninsula, and "bella," meaning "beautiful" in Italian.
The name Arabella has been popular among European royalty throughout history. One famous bearer of this name was Arabella Stuart (1575-1615), a member of the English royal family who was considered a potential heir to the throne during her lifetime. Another notable figure was Arabella Churchill (1649-1730), a mistress of King James II and mother of his illegitimate son, Charles FitzRoy.
In literature, Arabella is also the name of the protagonist in "Arabella," an 1852 novel by Australian author Henry Kingsley. The novel tells the story of Arabella's adventures in Australia after she runs away from her abusive stepfather.
Today, Arabella remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive and elegant name for their daughters. Its Italian roots give it a sophisticated and international feel, while its association with beauty makes it a charming option for parents who want to bestow a meaningful name upon their child. Despite its popularity among royals throughout history, the name Arabella is still relatively uncommon, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique yet timeless moniker for their baby girl.
The name Arabell experienced a significant increase in popularity between 2022 and 2023, with 37 births recorded last year, the highest number since records began. Prior to this surge, the most births recorded in any single year was 12, which occurred twice, once in 2013 and again in 2016. From 1894 to 1940, there were only sporadic occurrences of the name, with five or fewer births in each year. The majority of Arabell's popularity has occurred within the last decade, indicating a recent trend towards this unique name.