Gabrielle is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the male name Gabriel. The name Gabriel itself comes from the Hebrew name Gavriel, which means "God is my strength." Therefore, Gabrielle translates to "God is my strength" or "Strong is God."
The use of Gabrielle as a female name likely began in France during the Middle Ages. It was often given to girls who were believed to be destined for greatness or had parents with high expectations for them. Over time, the name gained popularity throughout Europe and eventually made its way around the world.
In literature, one notable figure named Gabrielle is Gabrielle d'Estrées, a mistress of King Henry IV of France during the 16th century. She was known for her beauty and influence over the king. Additionally, Gabrielle is also the middle name of French fashion designer Coco Chanel (born as Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel).
Today, Gabrielle remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their daughters. It has been used by numerous celebrities, such as American singer-songwriter Gabrielle Reese and Australian actress Gabrielle Reilly, further contributing to its enduring appeal.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Gabrielle in the United States:
Over a span of nearly two decades (from 1987 to 2006), there were a total of 67 babies named Gabrielle born in the U.S.
The years with the highest number of Gabrielle births were:
- 1993: 8 babies
- 1995: 10 babies
- 1997 and 2000: Both had 7 babies
Conversely, the years with the lowest number of Gabrielle births were:
- 1987: 5 babies
- 1988, 2001, and 2006: All had 5 babies