Isabella Name Meaning

Isabella is often used as a girl's name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Isabella.

Isabella is the Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, which is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba. Its meaning translates to "God is my oath." The names Isabella and Elizabeth were used interchangeably in the United Kingdom up through the 17th century.

  • Origin: Isabella is the Spanish and Italian variation of the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning "God is my oath."
  • Gender: Isabella is frequently used as a girl name. The variation Isa (meaning "salvation of God") is a gender-neutral option used for boys and girls.
  • Pronunciation: Is-ah-bell-ah

Editor's Note

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.

Isabelle Baby Name Illustration

How Popular Is the Name Isabella?

Isabella was a moderately popular name in the US during the first half of the 20th century until its ranking plummeted in the 1940s. It was fairly rare until 1990 when it began to be used more widely again. In 1998, it broke into the top 100 names in the US.

In 2004, the name made the top 10 and was the runner-up from 2007 to 2008 before claiming the number one spot in 2009. Isabella's victorious transition to the top position coincided with the release of the movie Twilight, which featured the main character Bella Swan. (Coincidence? Probably not!)

The name reigned supreme until 2011, when it took second place to Sophia. Isabella remained in the top 5 until 2019. In 2022, the Social Security Administration had Isabella as the 6th most popular girl's name.

Name Variations

Here are some variations of the name Isabella:

  • Elizabeth (Hebrew)
  • Elisheba (Hebrew)
  • Sabella (Latin)
  • Isabel (Spanish)
  • Isabele (Hebrew)
  • Isabelita (Hebrew)
  • Isabelle (French)
  • Isobell (Hebrew)
  • Izabella (Italian)
  • Isobelle (Hebrew)
  • Izabelle (Hebrew)
  • Ysabell (French)
  • Ysabella (Hebrew)
  • Ysabelle (French)
  • Ysbella (French)
  • Ysabel (French)

Similar Names

Other girl names ending in "A" include:

  • Sophia
  • Olivia
  • Mia
  • Ava
  • Gabriella
  • Isadora
  • Emma
  • Anastasia
  • Anna
  • Ella
  • Alexandra
  • Amelia
  • Aurora
  • Maria
  • Stella
  • Alexa
  • Julia
  • Angelina

Other Italian names for girls include:

  • Gianna
  • Vivianna
  • Alessia
  • Beatrice
  • Carmella
  • Aida
  • Siena
  • Nicole

Other Spanish names for girls include:

  • Savannah
  • Isla
  • Jade
  • Liliana
  • Lola
  • Carmen
  • Itzel
  • Belen

Common Nicknames for Isabella

  • Bella: Think vibrant, strong, and energetic! Bella is full of personality, always laughing, and never afraid to speak their mind. The nickname was made massively popular by the character Bella Swan in the Twilight movie series.
  • Izzy: This fun nickname suggests a free-spirited personality. They're unconventional, adventurous, and embrace change. Izzy is confident and sensible, and can usually be found enjoying the outdoors.
  • Isa: Dependable and determined, Isa can do anything they set their mind to. They're always willing to help others and genuinely aspire to make a difference in the world.

Suggested Sibling Names

Here are some popular options for siblings of Isabella:

  • Annette
  • Brielle
  • Elisha
  • Enzo
  • Evelina
  • Gabrielle
  • Ivan
  • Lillian
  • Noah
  • Scarlett
  • Sebastian
  • Walter

Famous People Named Isabella

While Isabella isn't the most common celebrity name, there are a few famous worth noting, including royalty.

Famous Isabellas

  • Isabella Rossellini, Italian actress, filmmaker, philanthropist, model, and author
  • Isabella I of Castile, Spanish Queen of Castile from 1474 until her death in 1504
  • Isabella of Portugal, Holy Roman Empress who governed as Regent of Spain

Famous Bellas

  • Bella Thorne, American actress and model, known for her role as Ruthy Spivey in the TV drama, My Own Worst Enemy
  • Bella Hadid, American model and sister of the equally famous Gigi Hadid

More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: 

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Isabel. Dictionary of Medieval Names From European Sources. n.d.

  2. Popular Baby Names. Social Security Administration. n.d.

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