Annabell is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of German origin. It is composed of two elements: "Anna," which means "grace" or "favor," and "Belle," meaning "beautiful." Therefore, the name Annabell signifies "beautiful grace."
The name Annabell has its roots in medieval Germany, where it was used as a combination of popular names Anna and Isobel (which also means beautiful). Over time, these two names merged to form Annabel or Annabell. The name gained popularity in the 19th century through Sir Walter Scott's poem "Lady of the Lake," which featured a character named Annabel.
Annabell is still considered an uncommon name today, adding to its charm and uniqueness. It has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, such as American actress Annabelle Gurwitch and Australian swimmer Annabelle Williams, further contributing to its distinctive appeal.
In summary, the name Annabell is of German origin, meaning "beautiful grace," and has a fascinating historical background that dates back to medieval times. Its unique composition and rich history make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
The name Annabell has been a relatively rare but consistent choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half. According to the Social Security Administration's records, there were six babies named Annabell in both 1882 and 1884, marking the earliest appearances of the name on record.
The number of babies named Annabell fluctuated significantly throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In some years, such as 1885 and 1886, there were nine or ten births with the name Annabell. However, in other years like 1892 and 1893, the number of births dropped to five and seventeen respectively.
The 1900s saw a consistent increase in the popularity of the name Annabell. The number of babies named Annabell grew steadily from seventeen in 1900 to a peak of thirty-seven in 1910. This trend continued into the 1910s and early 1920s, with a high of fifty-two births in 1912.
However, starting in the mid-1920s, the popularity of the name Annabell began to decline. Between 1926 and 1934, there were fewer than sixty births each year with the name Annabell. This trend continued into the post-WWII era, with the number of babies named Annabell dropping below thirty in every year from 1945 to 1970.
Despite this decline, the name Annabell remained a consistent choice for parents throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Between 1971 and 2023, there were at least eight births with the name Annabell in every year except for 1968, where only seven babies were named Annabell.
The most recent data available from the Social Security Administration shows that there were eighteen babies named Annabell in 2023. Over the entire period of record-keeping, from 1882 to 2023, a total of 6,686 babies have been named Annabell in the United States.
While Annabell may not be one of the most popular names in the US, its consistent presence over more than a century demonstrates that it has enduring appeal for some parents. Whether drawn to its unique sound or its historical significance, those who choose the name Annabell are part of a long tradition of honoring this distinctive moniker.