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 has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. From 200 births in 1950, the number of newborn girls named Mabel increased to 830 births in 2021, marking an impressive growth of over 400%. This trend is also reflected in the total number of babies born each year in the U.S., with a notable increase from around 3 million births annually in the early 20th century to approximately 4 million births per year currently.
The peak popularity of the name Mabel occurred between 1887 and 1895, during which time over 2,000 babies were named Mabel each year. This period coincides with a general trend towards more traditional and historical names gaining favor among parents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Interestingly, after this initial peak, the popularity of the name Mabel declined steadily until it reached its lowest point in the mid-20th century.
However, starting in the 1970s, there was a noticeable resurgence in the use of the name Mabel, with around 60 to 80 babies being named Mabel each year. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that the popularity of the name Mabel began to significantly increase once again.
Since 2010, the number of newborn girls named Mabel has more than doubled, from 177 births in 2010 to over 1,000 births in both 2022 and 2023. This recent surge in popularity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including increased awareness and appreciation for historical names, the influence of popular culture (such as characters named Mabel in films and television shows), and perhaps even a desire among parents to choose unique yet timeless names for their children.
In conclusion, while the name Mabel experienced periods of decline throughout the 20th century, it has enjoyed consistent popularity since its peak in the late 19th century. With over 1,000 babies named Mabel each year in recent years, it is clear that this charming and classic name continues to capture the hearts of parents across the United States.