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Introduction
Choosing a name for your newborn is one of the most important decisions parents will make and can be pretty challenging. A name carries significant meaning and symbolism and will be with the child for the rest of their life.
One name that has stood the test of time and continues to be popular is Isabella. This name has a rich history and profound spiritual, Hebrew, biblical meanings, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a name with significance.
If you’re considering the name Isabella for your baby girl, you’ve come to the right place. This article will delve into the different meanings of the name Isabella, its origins, popularity, the Hebrew, biblical and spiritual significance. We will also look at different variations of the name, its connections to other names, and fun facts.
Meaning of the Name Isabella
Isabella is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning “God is my oath” or “devoted to God.” Isabella is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means “God is my oath” or “my God has sworn.”
The name Isabella combines two Hebrew words, “El,” which means God, and “Sheba,” which means oath or satisfaction. The name is a testament to the promise made to God by a parent.
Isabella also has a similar meaning as: “devoted to God” or “God’s promise.” It is a beautiful and meaningful name with a solid connection to spirituality and faith.
Isabella Name Origin
Isabella has various origins, including Hebrew, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. The name is believed to have originated from the Spanish name Isabel, derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning “God is my oath.”
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages in Europe, especially in Italy and Spain. It was the name of several queens and princesses, including Isabella of Aragon, who was the queen of Portugal in the 15th century, and Isabella of Castile, who was the queen of Spain in the late 15th century and is famous for sponsoring Christopher Columbus’s voyage to America.
The name Isabella was popularized in England during the reign of Queen Isabella, the wife of Edward II.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the centuries and has spread to other countries, including the United States, where it has remained a top choice for parents for decades.
Isabella Name Popularity
The name Isabella has consistently been one of the most popular names for baby girls for centuries but became especially popular in the late 20th century.
It was ranked the #1 name for baby girls in the United States in 2009 and remained in the top 10 for several years.
In 2020, Isabella was ranked the 5th most popular baby name for girls in the United States, and in 2021, it ranked #9.
It is also a popular name in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many European countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal.
The name’s popularity can be attributed to its classic sound, rich history, and significant meaning in a person’s life.
What Does the Name Isabella Mean in Hebrew?
As mentioned earlier, Isabella is from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means “God is my oath,” “my God has sworn,” or “God is my satisfaction.” The name comprises two Hebrew words, “El,” meaning God, and “Sheva,” meaning oath.
In Hebrew, the name would be spelled אִיזַבֶּלָה.
This name is beautiful and meaningful and strongly connected to faith and devotion, reflecting the importance of faith and devotion in Hebrew culture.
If you want to instill religious values in your child(ren), this is a great name to go with.
What Does the Name Isabella Mean in The Bible?
Although the name Isabella does not appear in the Bible, it is derived from the name Elisheba, which appears in several passages.
For example, in Exodus 6:23, it is written, “And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.”
She is also mentioned in the book of Leviticus as the mother of Nadab and Abihu, who were priests of Israel.
Elisheba is an important name in the Bible, and its meaning, “God is my oath,” reflects the strong faith and devotion of the women who carried it.
Who Is Isabella in The Bible?
As mentioned earlier, Isabella is not mentioned in the Bible. However, the name Elisheva, from which Isabella comes, appears in the book of Exodus as the wife of Aaron and in Leviticus as the mother of Nadab and Abihu.
Spiritual Meaning of Isabella
In addition to its biblical roots, the name Isabella also has deep spiritual connotations. The name is associated with faith, devotion, and loyalty to God and therefore reflects a deep commitment to one’s beliefs and willingness to keep a solemn oath with God.
The name reminds us of the importance of putting our faith in God and trusting in His plan for our lives.
What does Isabella mean in Greek?
In Greek, the name Isabella translates to “Isavella” or “Isavellia,” a variant of Elizabeth. Though Isabella is not a Greek name, the root name, Elizabeth, is.
On the other hand, Elisheva, which we have seen as having Hebrew origin, is Elisabet in Greek and is spelled Ελισάβετ, while Isabella is spelled Ισαβέλλα and pronounced “ee-sah-VEL-lah.”
What does Isabella Mean in French?
In French, Isabella is spelled Isabelle, pronounced “ee-za-BELL,” and means “pledged to God” or “devoted to God.”
The name is popular in French-speaking countries and is often associated with beauty and elegance.
Isabella Meaning in Italian
Isabella is similar to the Hebrew meaning – “God is my oath” or “my God has sworn.”
Just as many names have an origin and hold their meaning from their source, they translate to other countries and languages and hold similar meanings.
Nonetheless, Isabella is a popular choice name for baby girls in Italy and has been so for many years.
Isabella Name Meaning in Spanish
The same applies here again. The meaning of Isabella in Spanish is the same as the Hebrew meaning – “God is my oath.”
From the popularity of the name we saw earlier, under the origin of Isabella, you will remember the name gained popularity in Europe (Spain) when the then Queen of Spain, Isabella of Castile, bore the name.
The name is still popular to this day in many Spanish-speaking countries.
How to say Isabella in Spanish
In Spanish, the name Isabella is spelled Isabel and pronounced “ee-sah-BELL.”
Different Ways to Spell Isabella
You’d be surprised Isabella is spelled in many different ways.
Some common variations include
- Isabela,
- Isabellah,
- Isabel,
- Isabelle,
- Izabella,
- Ysabella, and
- Isobella.
Each variation has its unique charm and appeal; you can choose the spelling that best suits your preferences.
However, Isabella is the most common and traditional spelling of the name.
Isabela vs Isabella
Isabela and Isabella are two different names with different origins and popularity.
Isabela is of Spanish and Portuguese origin and means “God is my oath.” Isabela, a variation of Isabel, is popular in Spain and Latin America.
On the other hand, Isabella is of Hebrew origin and also means “God is my oath.” The name is popular in many countries, including the United States, Italy, and Australia.
Isabella and Elizabeth
Isabella and Elizabeth are often used interchangeably, as they have a shared origin and meaning.
Elizabeth is the English version of the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means “God is my oath.”
Isabella is a modern variant of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God” or “God is my oath.”
Both names have a robust biblical association and have been popular throughout history.
Facts About the Name Isabella
- Isabella has been a popular name for centuries. It is currently one of the most popular girl names in the United States.
- Isabella is a variation of the name Elizabeth, which means “God is my oath” in Hebrew.
- The name Isabella is also commonly associated with beauty due to its use in literature and film.
- Isabella was the name of several queens and princesses throughout history, including Queen Isabella of Castile and León, who played a vital role in the Spanish Inquisition and the discovery of America.
- The name Isabella is a reminder of the importance of making and keeping promises to God.
Male Version of Isabella
While Isabella is typically a feminine name, there are male versions of the name:
- Isabelle,
- Isabeau
- Isambert, and
- Isidore.
Isabelle is a French name that means “pledged to God.”
Isambert is also a French name that means “bright pledge.”
Isidore is derived from the same Greek word as Isabella and means “gift of Isis.”
While Isidore is not directly related to the name Isabella, it is a beautiful and meaningful name that has been popular for centuries.
Names Similar to Isabella
If you like the name Isabella but are looking for something a bit different, there are several names that have a similar feel. Some options include:
- Annabella: A Latin name that means “lovable.”
- Arabella: A Latin name that means “yielding to prayer.”
- Gabriella: A Hebrew name that means “God is my strength.”
- Mirabella: A Latin name that means “wonderful.”
- Sophia
- Olivia
- Ella: A name of multiple origins and different meanings; “young girl,” “fairy maiden,” “beautiful,” “light,” or “oak tree.”
- Emma: A Hebrew name that means “nurturing” or “caring.”
- Victoria
- Sabrina
- Amelia
- Graciella
Final Thoughts
Isabella is a beautiful and timeless name that has been popular for centuries. Its biblical and spiritual significance and association with beauty and elegance make it a popular choice for parents today.
Whether you choose to spell Isabella, Isabela, or any other variation, this name will surely be a source of pride and inspiration for your little girl.
