Belle is a French-origin female given name that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. The name Belle is derived from the Old French word "belle," which means beautiful. It is often used as a nickname for Isabella, Isabelle, or other names that have similar meanings.
The name Belle has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous Bearers of the name was Marie Joséphine de La Baume Le Blanc, also known as Bellegarde, who was a French aristocrat and salonnière during the 18th century. She was known for her intelligence, wit, and beauty, and hosted one of the most celebrated salons in Paris.
Another notable figure with the name Belle is Belle González, a Mexican-American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as "La Reina de la Música Tejana," she was a pioneer of tejano music and had a significant impact on the genre's development.
In popular culture, the name Belle has been used in several films and television shows. One of the most well-known is Beauty and the Beast, a Disney animated film released in 1991. In the movie, Belle is the heroine who falls in love with a prince cursed to be a beast. The story has since become one of Disney's most beloved classics.
Overall, the name Belle is a beautiful and timeless choice for a girl's name. With its French origins and meanings of beauty, it has been popular throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents today. Whether you're looking for a classic name with a modern twist or simply love the sound of Belle, this name is sure to be a stunning choice.
The name Belle has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. In its peak years between 1880 and 1915, there were upwards of 400 births each year, with a high of 407 in 1915. However, starting around the mid-1920s, popularity began to decline steadily, reaching as low as 6 births per year in some instances from the late 1980s onwards.
There was a resurgence in the 1990s, with numbers rising again to reach triple digits by the year 2000. Since then, Belle has maintained moderate popularity, with between 100 and 300 births per year, though it has shown signs of waning recently, dropping below 250 births annually since 2018.
Overall, while Belle was once a highly popular name, its usage has diminished significantly over time.