Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Isobel
GirlScottish, Spanish· “God is my oath”
- Meaning
- God is my oath
- Origin
- Scottish, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- IH-zuh-behl
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,307
- US babies 2025
- 79
- Best rank
- #817 (1916)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Isobel
Isobel is a Scottish and Spanish name that means “God is my oath”.
In Scotland, Isabel, which arrived via medieval Spain and France, took the spelling Isobel. Isabel itself developed from Elizabeth, from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning God is my oath. The Isobel spelling has long been used in Scotland, where it sits beside the Gaelic form Iseabail and gives the name a distinctly Scottish flavor. Today Isobel feels classic and romantic, with a slightly vintage charm that has made it popular again in Britain and elsewhere. Izzy, Isa, Belle and Bella are all natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Isobel first appears in US Social Security records in 1894. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 1903. Its best national rank was #817 in 1916, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 129 were named Isobel. In 2025, 79 babies were named Isobel, and it ranked #2,307 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,329 in 1920, #5,612 in 1950, #2,645 in 2000, #1,965 in 2010, and #2,307 in 2025. Of the 3,802 US girls named Isobel since records began, 26% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 715 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aubreigh, Avarie, Oona, Navya, and Zuleyka.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Isobel ranked highest in California, New York, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1880 | 11 |
| New York | #2221 | 5 |
| Texas | #3508 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Isobel is usually pronounced IH-zuh-behl, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with I and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Isobel
A few middle names that flow with Isobel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Isobel
Similar names
Annabel Girl
AN-uh-bel
“lovable” · Scottish
#2,065
Anabel Girl
A-nuh-behl
“lovable” · Scottish
#4,270
Isabel Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“my God is an oath” · Spanish
#177
Maribel Girl
MAIR-ih-bel
“blend of Maria and Isabel” · Spanish
#1,662
Mirabel Girl
MEER-uh-behl
“wonderful” · Latin
#2,575
Ariel Unisex
EH-ree-uhl
“lion of God” · Hebrew
#356
Guadalupe Girl
gwah-duh-LOO-pay
“from a Spanish place name” · Spanish
#1,248
Savanna Girl
suh-VA-nuh
“grassy plain” · Spanish
#1,090
Julissa Girl
joo-LIH-suh
“elaboration of Julia” · Spanish
#1,136
Raquel Girl
rah-KEHL
“ewe” · Spanish
#1,123
Mercedes Girl
mer-SAY-deez
“mercies” · Spanish
#1,439
Cristina Girl
krihs-TEE-nuh
“follower of Christ” · Spanish
#1,622
Lists that include Isobel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Isobel mean?
Isobel is a Scottish and Spanish name that means “God is my oath”.
What is the origin of the name Isobel?
Isobel has Scottish, Spanish, and Hebrew roots. In Scotland, Isabel, which arrived via medieval Spain and France, took the spelling Isobel.
Is Isobel a popular name?
Not especially. Isobel ranked #2,307 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Isobel a boy or girl name?
Isobel is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Isobel?
Isobel 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