Mabel is a name of English origin, derived from the German word 'Amalie', which means "exalted, noble". The name has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries and was often used as a pet form of names like Amabel or Amalia.
The name Mabel first gained significant popularity in the late 19th century. It was used by Louisa May Alcott in her novel "Little Women" published in 1868, where she gave this name to the youngest March sister. This character portrayal contributed greatly to the name's rise in popularity during that era.
Over time, Mabel has evolved as a classic yet unique name with its own charm and elegance. Despite being less common today than it was in the past, it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its vintage appeal and meaningful origin.
"The name Mabel reached its peak popularity in the early 1910s with over 3000 births per year. However, it began to decline sharply afterwards, dropping below 1000 by the late 1940s. Since then, it has remained relatively rare, with fewer than 100 births per year in recent years."