Bell
Bell is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Beautiful, or one who rings or makes bells.
Origin and history
Bell originated as an English occupational name for a bell ringer or maker, as well as a short form or variant of names derived from the French word for beautiful (belle). It was occasionally given as a independent first name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains a rare given name, more commonly seen as a surname or middle name.
Popularity in the United States
2,496 babies in the United States have been named Bell since 1880. It ranks #3536 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2058.
States where it is most popular
- GA (29.5 %)
- SC (19.4 %)
- MS (13.8 %)
- NC (12 %)
- AL (5.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 416 |
| 1890-1900 | 511 |
| 1900-1910 | 418 |
| 1910-1920 | 450 |
| 1920-1930 | 290 |
| 1930-1940 | 125 |
| 1940-1950 | 84 |
| 1950-1960 | 46 |
| 1960-1970 | 18 |
| 1970-1980 | 11 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 20 |
| 2010-2019 | 64 |
| 2020-2029 | 43 |
Fun facts
- The name stems either from the Old French 'belle' meaning beautiful or the Middle English term for a bell maker or ringer.
- Bell had its highest usage as a given name in the United States during the late 19th century before declining into rare usage.