Anabel is a feminine given name of Spanish and Hebrew origin. It is composed of two elements: "Ana", which means "grace" in Hebrew, and "Bel", meaning "Lord" or "Master" in Hebrew.
The name Anabel has its roots in the Hebrew Bible. In the Book of Daniel, one of the characters is named Belteshazzar, which translates to "Bel protects". The name Bel itself is a shortened form of the Babylonian god Marduk's title "Bel", meaning "Lord".
Over time, Belteshazzar was shortened and transformed into various forms in different languages. In English-speaking countries, it eventually became known as Balthazar or Balthasar. However, in Spanish-speaking cultures, it evolved into Anabel.
The name Anabel first appeared in Spain during the Middle Ages. It gained popularity among the nobility and gradually spread to other social classes. Today, it is considered a classic Spanish given name that continues to be used widely in Spanish-speaking countries as well as internationally.
While Anabel is often associated with its Hebrew origins and meanings, it's important to note that its usage has evolved over time and across different cultures. As such, the significance of the name may vary depending on the individual or community using it. Nonetheless, Anabel remains a unique and elegant name choice for parents seeking a name with deep historical roots and beautiful meanings.
According to the provided statistics, the name Anabel experienced a peak in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s in the United States. The highest number of births registered for this name occurred in 1989 with 10 babies being named Anabel that year. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous years, as only 5 births were recorded in 1982 and 7 births in 1990.
The popularity of the name seemed to fluctuate during this period, with 8 births recorded in 1991 and then dropping back down to 5 births in 1993. Overall, between 1982 and 1993, there were a total of 35 babies named Anabel born in the United States.
While these statistics provide insight into the trends surrounding the name Anabel during this specific time period, it's important to note that popularity can vary greatly over broader spans of time. Therefore, without additional data, we cannot draw definitive conclusions about the current or long-term popularity of the name Anabel in the United States.