Annabel is a charming and unique female given name that originates from the German language. It is derived from the Germanic elements 'anh', meaning "ancestor", and 'bald', which means "bold or brave". Therefore, Annabel can be interpreted as "noble and brave".
The name Annabel has a rich history and has been used throughout various periods of time. It was particularly popular during the Middle Ages in Germany, where it was often given to girls who were believed to be strong-willed and courageous.
In English-speaking countries, Annabel first appeared in the late 19th century and gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Today, it remains a beloved name among parents looking for a distinctive yet elegant choice for their baby girl.
Some notable individuals named Annabel include American actress Annabel Schofield, British author Annabel Abbs, and Canadian figure skater Annabel Langbein. These individuals have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Annabel throughout history and across cultures.
The name Annabel has had a varied history of popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. From the years 1880 to 1930, there were fewer than 30 births per year on average, with some years seeing as few as six births. However, beginning in the mid-20th century, the name started to gain traction, with a gradual increase in popularity over time.
From 1950 onwards, Annabel began to appear more frequently, with around 30 births per year in the 1950s and 60s. This trend continued into the 1970s and 80s, with an average of about 50 births per year during this period.
The name reached its peak popularity in recent years, with over 400 births per year between 2009 and 2013. In fact, it has been one of the most popular names for girls in the United States since the early 2000s, ranking within the top 500 names during this period.
Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, with around 150-200 births per year from 2017 to present, Annabel remains a classic and beloved name for girls. Overall, there have been approximately 14,750 babies named Annabel in the United States since records began in 1880.