Arabella is a beautiful and unique name of Italian origin that means "beautiful fairy." It is composed of two elements: "Arabia," which refers to the Arabian Peninsula, and "bella," meaning "beautiful" in Italian.
The name Arabella has been popular among European royalty throughout history. One famous bearer of this name was Arabella Stuart (1575-1615), a member of the English royal family who was considered a potential heir to the throne during her lifetime. Another notable figure was Arabella Churchill (1649-1730), a mistress of King James II and mother of his illegitimate son, Charles FitzRoy.
In literature, Arabella is also the name of the protagonist in "Arabella," an 1852 novel by Australian author Henry Kingsley. The novel tells the story of Arabella's adventures in Australia after she runs away from her abusive stepfather.
Today, Arabella remains a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive and elegant name for their daughters. Its Italian roots give it a sophisticated and international feel, while its association with beauty makes it a charming option for parents who want to bestow a meaningful name upon their child. Despite its popularity among royals throughout history, the name Arabella is still relatively uncommon, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique yet timeless moniker for their baby girl.
The name Arabell has seen a fluctuating trend of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, between 1894 and 1940, there were only five recorded births per year, with no more than eight births in any given year during this period.
However, fast forward to the 21st century, we see a significant increase in the number of births. In 2013, there were 12 births, followed by another 12 in 2016, and then a dip to eight births in 2017. Interestingly, the year 2023 has seen an unprecedented surge with 37 births recorded so far.
In total, from 1894 to 2023, there have been 163 recorded births of the name Arabell in the United States. This data suggests that while the name was relatively uncommon throughout much of the last century, it has gained popularity in recent years.