Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Isabel
GirlSpanish, Hebrew· “my God is an oath”
- Meaning
- my God is an oath
- Origin
- Spanish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- IH-zuh-behl
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #177
- US babies 2025
- 1,746
- Best rank
- #83 (2003)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Isabel
Isabel is a Spanish and Hebrew name that means “my God is an oath”.
Isabel began as the medieval Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth, which goes back to the Hebrew Elisheba, "my God is an oath." The shift from Elisabeth to Isabel happened in the languages of the Iberian Peninsula, and from there the name spread to France and England in the Middle Ages. Its most famous bearer is Isabella I of Castile, known in Spanish as Isabel, who sponsored the voyages of Columbus. Today Isabel feels both classic and romantic, a little simpler than Isabella and a little softer than Elizabeth. Nicknames include Izzy, Bel, Belle and Isa, and the name works well across English and Spanish-speaking families.
Other spellings with the same sound: Isabelle.
Popularity over time
Isabel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #83 in 2003, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 4,009 were named Isabel. In 2025, 1,746 babies were named Isabel, and it ranked #177 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #199 in 1920, #421 in 1950, #435 in 1980, #94 in 2000, #116 in 2010, and #177 in 2025. Of the 132,150 US girls named Isabel since records began, 27% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 22,586 babies. Since 2010, 33,457 more have been named Isabel.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jada, Natalia, Gracie, Jayla, and Adriana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Isabel ranked highest in District of Columbia, Alaska, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #81 | 9 |
| Alaska | #99 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | #103 | 52 |
| Arizona | #107 | 58 |
| California | #108 | 273 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Isabel is usually pronounced IH-zuh-behl, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with I and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Isabelle.
Middle names for Isabel
A few middle names that flow with Isabel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Isabel
Similar names
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GA-bree-ehl
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joo-lee-AH-nuh
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krihs-TEE-nuh
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Santana Unisex
san-TAN-uh
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Galilea Girl
gah-lee-LAY-uh
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Maribel Girl
MAIR-ih-bel
“blend of Maria and Isabel” · Spanish
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Isobel Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“God is my oath” · Scottish
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Abigael Girl
AB-ih-gayl
“variant of Abigail, my father's joy” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Isabel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Isabel mean?
Isabel is a Spanish and Hebrew name that means “my God is an oath”.
What is the origin of the name Isabel?
Isabel has Spanish and Hebrew roots. Isabel began as the medieval Spanish and Portuguese form of Elizabeth, which goes back to the Hebrew Elisheba, "my God is an oath." The shift from Elisabeth to Isabel happened in the languages of the Iberian Peninsula, and from there the name spread to France and England in the Middle Ages.
Is Isabel a popular name?
Yes. Isabel ranked #177 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Isabel a boy or girl name?
Isabel is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Isabel?
Isabel is usually pronounced IH-zuh-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