Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Mabel
GirlEnglish, Latin· “lovable”
- Meaning
- lovable
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- MAY-buhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #201
- US babies 2025
- 1,522
- Best rank
- #15 (1891)
- Peak year
- 1915
Meaning and origin of Mabel
Mabel is an English and Latin name that means “lovable”.
Mabel is a medieval short form of Amabel, from the Latin amabilis, meaning lovable. It was used in England from the Middle Ages and became fashionable again in the Victorian era, when it was one of many revived medieval names. The name was very familiar in the early twentieth century, then faded, and has recently returned as a vintage favorite. It feels sweet, cozy and old-fashioned in a charming way. Mae and Mabs are nicknames, and Maybelle and Amabel are related forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Mable.
Popularity over time
Mabel 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 98 different years. Its best national rank was #15 in 1891, and the most babies received it in 1915, when 3,683 were named Mabel. In 2025, 1,522 babies were named Mabel, and it ranked #201 nationally. That is 188% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #83 in 1920, #549 in 1950, #1,548 in 1980, #2,152 in 2000, #1,332 in 2010, and #201 in 2025. Of the 142,284 US girls named Mabel since records began, 22% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 24,522 babies. Since 2010, 11,324 more have been named Mabel.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Minnie, Bessie, Beulah, Estelle, and Lottie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mabel ranked highest in Maine, Utah, and Minnesota.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mabel is usually pronounced MAY-buhl, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with M and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Mable.
Middle names for Mabel
A few middle names that flow with Mabel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mabel
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Lists that include Mabel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mabel mean?
Mabel is an English and Latin name that means “lovable”.
What is the origin of the name Mabel?
Mabel has English and Latin roots. Mabel is a medieval short form of Amabel, from the Latin amabilis, meaning lovable.
Is Mabel a popular name?
Yes. Mabel ranked #201 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Mabel a boy or girl name?
Mabel is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mabel?
Mabel is usually pronounced MAY-buhl. 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