Isabella: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Isabella mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Italian: Devoted to God
Spanish: Pledged to God
Hebrew: Consecrated to God

Gender: Female

Syllables: 4

Pronunciation: The name Isabella is pronounced iz-uh-bel-uh

The name Isabella, with its origins tracing back to Italian and Spanish roots, means "Devoted to God" or "Pledged to God." The name Isabella comes from the Hebrew name Elisheba, a form of Elizabeth. Isabella, meaning consecrated or pledged to God, has origins in Italian and Spanish. It is also a form of Isabel and has a rich history in medieval royals.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese: from the female personal name Isabella (see Isbell).

Famous people with this first name

Isabella Rossellini

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Isabella in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Isabella Garcia-Shapiro from Phineas and Ferb - The ambitious and resourceful neighbor who has a crush on Phineas.
Isabella "Bella" Swan from Twilight - The protagonist who falls in love with a vampire, navigating the complexities of a supernatural world.
Isabella "Izzy" Lightwood from The Mortal Instruments series - A fearless shadowhunter with a fierce dedication to her family and friends.
Isabella "Bella" Hartley from H2O: Just Add Water - A new girl who comes with a secret: she is a mermaid with the ability to control water.
Isabella from Dragon Age: Origins - Isabella is a pirate captain in the Dragon Age video game series known for her charm, wit, and skill with a blade. She is a complex character with a mysterious past.

Popularity of the Name Isabella

According to Social Security Administration data, Isabella has experienced significant popularity, frequently appearing in the top 10 names throughout the past decade. Its allure is not confined to the United States alone; its graceful sound and royal connotations have made it a beloved choice across various cultures.

Isabella owes much of its charm to its historical and cultural richness. Queen Isabella I of Castile, an influential monarch in the late 15th century, is one of the most famous historical figures bearing this name. This name has also been popularized by actresses such as Isabella Rossellini and characters from literature and film. In modern media, Isabella has been chosen for characters in several well-received works, including the Twilight series' Isabella "Bella" Swan, enhancing its popularity among younger generations. Fictional Isabellas grace the screens in Phineas and Ferb and the written word in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, demonstrating the name's versatility and appeal across various media types.