Gabrielle is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the male name Gabriel, which means "God is my strength." The name has been popular for centuries and has been associated with several notable historical figures.
The name Gabrielle first gained prominence in France during the Middle Ages, where it was often used as a female variant of the masculine name Gabriel. It was also popular among French nobility and royalty, with several members of the French royal family being named Gabrielle throughout history.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Gabrielle was Gabrielle d'Estrées, who was a mistress of King Henri IV of France during the 16th century. She played an influential role in politics and was known for her intelligence and beauty. Gabrielle's reputation as a powerful woman has contributed to the popularity of the name over time.
In literature, Gabrielle is also associated with the French poet and playwright Jean Anouilh's play "L'Albertine disparue," in which the main character is named Gabrielle. This work has helped to further popularize the name among French-speaking communities.
Today, Gabrielle remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique feminine name. Its meaning, "God is my strength," continues to resonate with many families who choose this name for their daughters. Despite its historic roots, Gabrielle also feels modern and relevant, making it a versatile choice for parents across different cultures and generations.
The name Gabrielle has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics from 1987 to 2012. The earliest year on record is 1987 with 5 births. The number of babies named Gabrielle increased steadily each year until reaching a peak of 17 births in 1998.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline, with only 10 births recorded in 1999 and 2001 respectively. However, there was another slight increase between 2006 and 2008, with 14 and 9 births respectively. Since then, the number of babies named Gabrielle has remained relatively low, with only 5 births each recorded in 2010 and 2012.
Overall, from 1987 to 2012, there were a total of 235 babies named Gabrielle born in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Gabrielle remains a name that has been given to many children across several decades.