Isabelle is a charming and elegant French feminine given name that has been widely used throughout Europe for centuries. The name originates from the Occitan language of southern France and is composed of two elements: "is" meaning ice and "bela" meaning beautiful.
The meaning behind the name Isabelle is therefore "beautiful as ice," which makes it a fitting choice for parents who wish to bestow upon their daughter a name that signifies grace, purity, and loveliness. The name has been popularized by several notable figures in history, such as Isabelle of France (1295-1358), the wife of King Edward II of England, and Isabelle, Princess of Asturias (born 2007), the eldest daughter of Prince Felipe of Spain.
The name Isabelle has also been featured prominently in literature and popular culture. In Daniel Defoe's classic novel "Robinson Crusoe," one of the main characters is Friday, a loyal companion to Robinson who goes by the full name Friday Robinson Isabelle. Additionally, the name has been used in several films, television shows, and books, further contributing to its popularity and recognition.
Overall, the name Isabelle offers a beautiful combination of elegance and strength, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a timeless and meaningful given name for their daughter. Its rich history and profound meaning make Isabelle a name that is sure to endure and inspire for generations to come.
The name Isabelle has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past two decades, with an average of about 9 births per year since 1999. However, there have been some fluctuations in its popularity during this time period.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the name Isabelle was given to around 7-9 babies each year. But then, it experienced a significant surge in popularity between 2006 and 2008, with as many as 22 births recorded in 2006 alone.
After this peak, the number of Isabelle births began to decline once again, dropping back down to single digits by 2010. Nevertheless, there have been several years since then where more than 10 babies were named Isabelle at birth, including 2014 (15 births) and 2018 (11 births).
Overall, according to the statistics provided, a total of 234 girls were named Isabelle in the United States between 1999 and 2020. While this name may not be as common as some others, it still holds its own unique charm and has been chosen by parents for their daughters over the years.