Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Anabel
GirlScottish, Latin· “lovable”
- Meaning
- lovable
- Origin
- Scottish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- A-nuh-behl
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #4,270
- US babies 2025
- 33
- Best rank
- #636 (1887)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Anabel
Anabel is a Scottish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “lovable”.
Anabel is a spelling of Annabel, a name that first appeared in medieval Scotland. It is usually linked to Amabel, from Latin amabilis, "lovable," though it has also been connected with Anna, "grace," and the French belle, "beautiful." The name has long been used in Scotland and later spread to England and beyond. Edgar Allan Poe's poem Annabel Lee brought wider attention to the name. The Anabel spelling is common in Spanish-speaking countries. It has a gentle, romantic sound and a classic feel. Ana, Bel and Belle are sweet nicknames, and the name offers a graceful, time-tested choice.
Popularity over time
Anabel first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #636 in 1887, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 297 were named Anabel. In 2025, 33 babies were named Anabel, and it ranked #4,270 nationally. That is 80% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,627 in 1920, #3,432 in 1950, #921 in 1980, #1,113 in 2000, #950 in 2010, and #4,270 in 2025. Of the 9,780 US girls named Anabel since records began, 23% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,966 babies. Since 2010, 2,237 more have been named Anabel.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Anniston, Annabell, Gwyneth, Kaidence, and Cordelia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anabel ranked highest in Florida and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1705 | 7 |
| California | #2109 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Anabel is usually pronounced A-nuh-behl, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Anabel
A few middle names that flow with Anabel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anabel
Similar names
Annabel Girl
AN-uh-bel
“lovable” · Scottish
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IH-zuh-behl
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Mirabel Girl
MEER-uh-behl
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Isabel Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“my God is an oath” · Spanish
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Ariel Unisex
EH-ree-uhl
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muh-RIH-suh
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Noel Unisex
noh-EHL
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Julissa Girl
joo-LIH-suh
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Dominique Unisex
dah-muh-NEEK
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Carina Girl
kuh-REE-nuh
“dear one; also 'keel'” · Latin
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Selina Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
“uncertain; possibly moon” · Greek
#1,278
Silvia Girl
SIL-vee-uh
“of the forest” · Latin
#1,240
Lists that include Anabel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anabel mean?
Anabel is a Scottish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “lovable”.
What is the origin of the name Anabel?
Anabel has Scottish and Latin roots. Anabel is a spelling of Annabel, a name that first appeared in medieval Scotland.
Is Anabel a popular name?
Not especially. Anabel ranked #4,270 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Anabel a boy or girl name?
Anabel is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Anabel?
Anabel is usually pronounced A-nuh-behl. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings