Gabrielle is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the male name Gabriel, which means "God is my strength" in Hebrew. The name Gabrielle has been popular throughout history and has been worn by several notable figures.
The first recorded use of the name Gabrielle was in France during the Middle Ages. It became particularly popular among the French nobility and was often given to daughters born into wealthy families. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Gabrielle d'Estrées, a mistress of King Henry IV of France who had considerable political influence.
The name Gabrielle also has literary associations. It is the title character in "Gabrielle," a novel by French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. The story follows Gabrielle's journey from rural France to Paris and her experiences as an artist's model.
In English-speaking countries, Gabrielle became more widely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has since appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature, film, and television. Today, Gabrielle remains a beloved name choice for parents seeking something elegant and distinctive for their daughters.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Gabrielle in the United States:
The popularity of Gabrielle has fluctuated over time. Between 1973 and 2022, there were a total of 780 babies named Gabrielle born in the U.S.
In terms of peak years, Gabrielle was particularly popular during the late 1980s to early 1990s:
- The highest number of births occurred in 1994 with 29 girls.
- This trend continued into 1995 with another 28 Gabrielle births.
However, the popularity of Gabrielle seems to have decreased over time. From the year 2000 onwards, there were fewer than 30 Gabrielle births per year on average. For instance:
- In 2021 and 2022 combined, only 12 girls named Gabrielle were born.
These statistics highlight the changing trends in naming babies over several decades in the United States. While Gabrielle was once a popular choice, it has since become less common.