Isobel
Isobel is a girl's name of Scottish origin.
Meaning
Pledged to God or God is my oath.
Origin and history
Isobel is the traditional Scottish spelling of Isabel, derived from Elizabeth. It gained popularity across the English-speaking world as a classic, elegant alternative to Isabella and Isabelle. In the United States, it remains a charming and moderately used choice.
Popularity in the United States
3,802 babies in the United States have been named Isobel since 1880. It ranks #2863 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1579.
States where it is most popular
- CA (23.5 %)
- NY (22.4 %)
- PA (15.7 %)
- TX (8.2 %)
- FL (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 42 |
| 1900-1910 | 129 |
| 1910-1920 | 366 |
| 1920-1930 | 422 |
| 1930-1940 | 190 |
| 1940-1950 | 81 |
| 1950-1960 | 51 |
| 1960-1970 | 12 |
| 1970-1980 | 13 |
| 1980-1990 | 7 |
| 1990-2000 | 270 |
| 2000-2010 | 715 |
| 2010-2019 | 981 |
| 2020-2029 | 523 |
Famous people named Isobel
- Isobel Campbell: Musician, Singer
- Isobel Baillie: Soprano, Opera Singer
- Isobel Elsom: Actress
Nicknames
Izzy, Bella, Bel, Ibby
Fun facts
- Isobel is the historic Scottish variant of Isabel, widely used in medieval Scotland.
- The spelling appears frequently in British historical literature and romantic poetry.