Tara Rhiannon Dawn Fietz, BA, MFA
Table of contents
Girl name origins & meanings
What does Arabella mean and stand for?
Meaning:
- Latin: Yielding to prayer
- German: Eagle heroine
- English: Beautiful altar
Gender: Female
Syllables: 4
Pronunciation: The name Arabella is pronounced ah-ruh-BEL-uh
Arabella is of Latin origin and means "yielding to prayer." It is also associated with beauty and strength, making it a timeless and elegant choice for a girl's name.
How Popular Is The Name Arabella
Famous people who gave their babies this name
Arabella in Pop Culture
Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?
- Arabella Strange from Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - A kind and intelligent woman, Arabella is the wife of Jonathan Strange in this fantasy novel. Her character adds emotional depth and serves as a moral compass in the story.
- Arabella Figg from Harry Potter - A Squib and neighbor of Harry Potter, Mrs. Figg keeps an eye on Harry and provides insight into the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts.
- Arabella from Arabella - The protagonist in this Regency romance novel by Georgette Heyer, Arabella is a spirited young woman whose adventures and wit make her a beloved character in historical fiction.
- Arabella Allen from The Pickwick Papers - A character in the novel by Charles Dickens.
Popularity of the Name Arabella
According to Social Security Administration data, Arabella has steadily risen in popularity in the United States over the past decade. It first entered the top 500 names in the early 2000s and has become increasingly popular, breaking into the top 200 by 2015. This elegant name has historical roots and a timeless charm that appeals to many new parents.
Arabella is a Latin-derived name, meaning "yielding to prayer" or "beautiful altar." The name gained notable attention through historical figures like Lady Arabella Stuart, a cousin of King James I, as well as through its frequent use in literature. Its sophisticated yet approachable sound continues to make it a favorite choice for baby girls.
Where Is the Name Arabella Popular?
This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.
Nicknames for Arabella
These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.
- Ara
- Bella
- Ari
Arabella Pairs Well With These Middle Names
Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!
Appears On
Browse these related baby name lists that feature this name and many, many more!
- 75 Elegant Girls Names
- 75 Southern Girls Names
- The Ultimate List of Victorian Girls Names
- 75 Old Fashioned Girls Names Making a Comeback
- 100 Beautiful Girl Names with Meanings
People Who Like the Name Arabella Also Like
Check out these names that are similar, but still unique to your baby.