Christabel is a unique and captivating female given name with an intriguing history and meaning behind it. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was used as a surname derived from the Norman French word "christabel," which means "little bell of Christ." The name was often bestowed upon daughters born around Christmas time or in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Over time, Christabel evolved from a surname into a given name, gaining popularity during the Victorian era in England. It is also believed that the name was popularized by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 1798 poem "Christabel," which tells the story of a young woman named Christabel who becomes entangled in supernatural events.
Despite its mystical origins and association with the supernatural, Christabel remains a beautiful and elegant name that evokes images of grace and sophistication. It is still used today, particularly in English-speaking countries, and continues to captivate those who appreciate its rich history and unique sound. While it may not be as common as some other names, Christabel's rarity makes it all the more special for those who bear this enchanting moniker.
The name Christabel has had varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were 6 births with the name Christabel in 1901, which seems to have been a peak year for this particular name at that time.
However, the number of births with the name Christabel fluctuated quite a bit during the early to mid-20th century. For instance, there were no recorded births with the name Christabel from 1938 to 1963, indicating that it may not have been widely used as a baby girl's name during this period.
Interestingly, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Christabel starting in the late 1970s. From 1975 onwards, there were at least 9 births with the name Christabel each year, with peaks occurring in 1989 (14 births) and 2002 (16 births). This suggests that the name may have experienced a resurgence or perhaps gained popularity again during this time.
More recently, the number of babies named Christabel has remained relatively stable. Between 2005 and 2023, there were at least 13 births with the name each year, with a peak of 34 births in 2014. This consistency could indicate that Christabel is now considered a more established and enduring baby girl's name choice among parents in the United States.
In total, there have been 775 recorded births with the name Christabel in the United States since 1901. While it may not be one of the most popular or common names, these statistics demonstrate that Christabel has maintained a consistent presence as a baby girl's name over the past century.