Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Arabelle
GirlScottish, Latin· “uncertain; perhaps 'yielding to prayer'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; perhaps 'yielding to prayer' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scottish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- EH-ruh-behl
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #2,037
- US babies 2025
- 93
- Best rank
- #1,284 (1893)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Arabelle
Arabelle is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps 'yielding to prayer'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and Latin roots.
Arabelle has an origin that remains uncertain. It is a variant of Arabella, a name that first appeared in Scotland in the medieval period, possibly as a form of Annabel or from the Latin orabilis, meaning yielding to prayer, though this is debated. Arabella Stuart, a cousin of King James I, was a notable bearer. Arabelle has a romantic, elegant feel, with the belle ending suggesting beauty. Bella or Ara make lovely nicknames, and the usual pronunciation is EH-ruh-behl.
Popularity over time
Arabelle first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,284 in 1893, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 147 were named Arabelle. In 2025, 93 babies were named Arabelle, and it ranked #2,037 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,361 in 1920, #15,249 in 2000, #2,940 in 2010, and #2,037 in 2025. Of the 2,272 US girls named Arabelle since records began, 48% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 565 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Noella, Zaynab, Ela, Laikyn, and Akshara.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Arabelle ranked highest in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #965 | 9 |
| Michigan | #1233 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1258 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #1461 | 5 |
| California | #1964 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Arabelle is usually pronounced EH-ruh-behl, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with A and ends in “-le”.
Middle names for Arabelle
A few middle names that flow with Arabelle: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Arabelle
Similar names
Anabelle Girl
AN-uh-bel
“possibly lovable” · Scottish
#2,960
Arabella Girl
air-uh-BEL-uh
“uncertain; possibly yielding to prayer” · Scottish
#213
Mirabelle Girl
MIH-ruh-behl
“wonderful, lovely” · French
#2,249
Annabelle Girl
A-nuh-behl
“lovable; or Anna plus belle” · English
#343
Camille Girl
kuh-MEEL
“ceremonial attendant” · French
#240
Noelle Girl
noh-EHL
“Christmas” · French
#202
Miracle Girl
MIHR-uh-kuhl
“a miracle, a wonder” · English
#492
Annabella Girl
a-nuh-BEH-luh
“combination of Anna and Bella” · Italian
#1,352
Tatiana Girl
tah-tee-AH-nuh
“uncertain; from the Roman name Tatius” · Latin
#1,106
Annabel Girl
AN-uh-bel
“lovable” · Scottish
#2,065
Nathalia Girl
nuh-TAH-lee-uh
“Christmas Day, birthday” · Latin
#1,365
Antonia Girl
an-TOH-nee-uh
“uncertain; feminine of Antonius” · Latin
#1,279
Lists that include Arabelle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Arabelle mean?
Arabelle is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps 'yielding to prayer'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Arabelle?
Arabelle has Scottish and Latin roots. Arabelle has an origin that remains uncertain.
Is Arabelle a popular name?
Not especially. Arabelle ranked #2,037 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Arabelle a boy or girl name?
Arabelle is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Arabelle?
Arabelle is usually pronounced EH-ruh-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