Meaning and Origin of Arabella
With origins in Scotland dating back to Medieval times, the name Arabella has developed a long and fruitful history in Scotland, meaning Arabella has consistently flourished as a girl’s and boy’s appellation in the country for centuries. The name is said to be derived from the Scottish pronunciation of the name “Annabel” as “Arabel,” leading to its current form of usage.
Popularity
Arabella was the 580th most popular baby girl’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Figures).
Famous People with the 1st Name Arabella
Because of the name Arabella’s popularity in the British Isles, its use can also be traced throughout literature of the United Kingdom: Indeed, distinguished authors such as Thomas Hardy and J.K. Rowling have used the name for characters, and 18th Century writers such as Alexander Pope have derived influence from contemporaries with the name. Historical personages with the name Arabella include Lady Arabella Stuart, a person once considered as a possible successor to Queen Elizabeth I. Charity founder Arabella Churchill is a recent example of the name’s use in contemporary times.
While Arabella retains some of its old-fashioned connotations as a moniker, the beauty of the name insures that it will continue to be a popular choice among new parents.
Useful Resources
- See more Scottish girls’ names like Arabella here.
- See what are the most popular names in Scotland at the moment.