Annabelle is a beautiful and unique name of French origin. It is composed of two elements: "Anna" which means "grace" or "favor," and "Belle" which means "beautiful." Therefore, Annabelle literally translates to "beautiful grace."
The name Annabelle has been popular for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 14th century in France. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages and was often given to daughters of nobility or high-ranking families.
In literature, one of the most famous references to Annabelle can be found in Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale "Barbe Bleue" ("Bluebeard"). The story features a character named Anne who marries Bluebeard but ultimately escapes his evil clutches. This tale has contributed to the name Annabelle being associated with intelligence, courage, and determination.
Over time, variations of the name Annabelle have emerged, including Annabella, Annabel, Bella, Belle, and even Anna herself. These variants allow parents more choices when selecting a name for their daughter while still retaining the elegant French origins and meaningful translation.
Today, Annabelle remains a popular choice among parents who wish to give their daughters a name that combines elegance, grace, and beauty. Its timeless appeal makes it suitable for girls of all ages, from newborn babies to grown women alike.
The name Annay saw its peak popularity between the years 1999 to 2001 with a total of 29 births during these three years. The earliest recorded birth was in 1990 and the most recent in 2007, with a combined total of 57 babies named Annay over this period.