Annabella is a charming and elegant name of Italian origin. It is composed of the elements "Anna" meaning "grace" or "favor," and "bella" meaning "beautiful." Therefore, Annabella can be translated as "beautiful grace" or "graceful beauty."
The name Annabella has a rich history, dating back to medieval Italy. It was used by several prominent figures in the Italian Renaissance, such as Annabella de' Medici, who was a member of the famous Medici family and married to the Duke of Ferrara. Another notable figure with this name is Annabella di Pisa, an Italian writer and poet from the 14th century.
The popularity of the name Annabella has fluctuated over time. In the United States, it peaked in popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s but has since declined in usage. However, it remains a beloved and classic choice for many parents looking for a timeless and sophisticated name for their daughter.
Overall, Annabella is a beautiful and meaningful name with a fascinating history and Italian roots. Its components, "grace" and "beauty," make it an attractive option for parents seeking a lovely and significant name for their child.
The name Annabella has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1912 to 1937, there were fewer than 15 births per year with the name Annabella. However, beginning in 1939, there was an increase in its usage, with 14 births recorded that year.
From the late 1930s to around the mid-1960s, the number of babies named Annabella remained relatively stable, ranging from 5 to 11 births per year. But starting in 1964, there was a noticeable uptick in its popularity, with numbers reaching double digits consistently until 1976.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Annabella's popularity seemed to wane again, with fewer than 10 births per year. However, in 1993, there was a significant spike, with 26 babies named Annabella born that year.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a continued rise in popularity for the name Annabella. In fact, between 1997 and 2005, the number of births with this name quadrupled from 58 to over 400 per year.
However, its popularity began to decline once again after reaching peak popularity around 2006-2007 with approximately 530 births each year. By 2019, there were only 321 babies named Annabella born in the U.S., a significant decrease from its heights of popularity.
Despite recent declines, Annabella remains a classic and elegant name that has been favored by parents for over a century. Its enduring appeal can be seen in its consistent usage throughout many decades, even if its popularity has waxed and waned over time.