Arabella
- Meaning
- Possibly lovable; traditionally linked to prayer
- Pronunciation
- air-uh-BEL-uh
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What does Arabella mean?
Arabella means “Possibly lovable; traditionally linked to prayer”.
Arabella has a medieval Scottish history and may have developed as a form of Annabel or Amabel, connecting it with the meaning “lovable.” It has also long been associated with Latin orabilis and the idea of prayer. The precise origin is not settled, so neither explanation should be treated as the only certain translation.
Its literary connections range from older English novels to Arabella Figg in Harry Potter. Richard Strauss also used Arabella as an opera title. Ara and Bella offer shorter forms with different sounds, while Arabelle changes the ending. Parents can appreciate the name’s literary history without needing to choose between uncertain etymological explanations.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Arabella
Short forms for everyday use.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Arabella?
United States · 2025Explore how often Arabella is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US girls rank
- #213 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Girls named Arabella
- 1,423 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 4.0% Fewer than 2024
Arabella over time
United States · Girls
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights girls, the most common recorded usage in 2025.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Girls | #213 | 1,423 |
| 2024 | Girls | #206 | 1,482 |
| 2023 | Girls | #225 | 1,322 |
| 2022 | Girls | #231 | 1,314 |
| 2021 | Girls | #195 | 1,521 |
| 2020 | Girls | #202 | 1,439 |
| 2019 | Girls | #194 | 1,545 |
| 2018 | Girls | #172 | 1,706 |
| 2017 | Girls | #156 | 1,890 |
| 2016 | Girls | #187 | 1,748 |
| 2015 | Girls | #194 | 1,689 |
| 2014 | Girls | #174 | 1,914 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Arabella
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Bella
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Beautiful
Listed as a related name to Arabella.
Olivia
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Olive tree
Shares an origin with Arabella.
Ava
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Life; bird; water, island
Shares an origin with Arabella.
Violet
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Purple
Shares an origin with Arabella.
Aurora
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Dawn
Shares an origin with Arabella.
Camila
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Young ceremonial attendant
Shares an origin with Arabella.
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