"loving grace"
Origin: Latin/Hebrew blend
Language: Scottish
Annabel
Pronunciation: [ AN-uhb-ehl ]
Girl Name
#1,611 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A timeless Scottish name immortalized by Poe's poetry
English
Scottish
American
Irish
Vintage
Elegant
Literary
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"lovable"
Origin: Latin (Amabel)
Language: Latin
"graceful beauty"
Origin: Hebrew/French blend
Language: Scottish
Things to Know About This Name
- Annabelle is the name of the haunted doll in the Conjuring horror film franchise — the French spelling Annabelle is more directly associated with this than Annabel
The Story of Annabel
Annabel is a medieval Scottish name that combines Anna (from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor) with the element bel (French for beautiful). Some etymologists trace it to the Latin Amabel (lovable), transformed in Scotland into Annabel over time. The name gained literary immortality through Edgar Allan Poes haunting 1849 poem Annabel Lee, and has been used in Scotland since at least the 12th century.
Annabel has been a consistent favorite in Britain and Scotland for centuries. It saw a revival in the mid-20th century, particularly in England. The French-influenced spelling Annabelle (with final -e) has grown more popular in the US, partially through horror films, while the Scottish Annabel maintains a more literary, refined identity.
Edgar Allan Poes final complete poem Annabel Lee (1849) immortalized the name in American literary culture. The poem describes a love so pure it was envied by the angels. In Scottish history, Annabel (Annabella) Drummond (1350-1401) was the Scottish queen consort who was mother of James I of Scotland.
Fun Facts
- Annabel Lee is Edgar Allan Poes last complete poem, written shortly before his death in 1849
- Annabella Drummond was Queen of Scotland in the late 14th century, mother of King James I
- The name has been in continuous use in Scotland since at least the 12th century, making it a true Scottish classic
Annabel in Other Languages
Latin
Amabella
French
Annabelle
Spanish
Anabel
Scottish
Annabel
Famous People Named Annabel
A
Annabel Crabb
Writer
1973
Australian journalist, author, and broadcaster known for the ABC program Kitchen Cabinet
A
Annabella Drummond
Royalty
1350
Queen consort of Scotland as wife of Robert III, mother of King James I of Scotland
A
Annabel Lee (literary) Fictional
Other
The beloved narrator of Edgar Allan Poes final poem (1849), symbolic of eternal love
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,611
- Total SSA Count
- 130
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Anna
Annie
Belle
Bella
Bel
Pairs Well With
Annabel Rose
Annabel Jane
Annabel Clare
Annabel Grace
Annabel Louise
Annabel Marie
Annabel Kate
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Annabel
What does the name Annabel mean?
"loving grace" (from Latin/Hebrew blend). "lovable" (from Latin (Amabel)). "graceful beauty" (from Hebrew/French blend). Annabel is a medieval Scottish name that combines Anna (from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor) with the element bel (French for beautiful). Some etymologists trace it to the Latin Amabel (lovable), transformed in Scotland into Annabel over time. The name gained literary immortality through Edgar Allan Poes haunting 1849 poem Annabel Lee, and has been used in Scotland since at least the 12th century.
What is the origin of the name Annabel?
Annabel has Latin/Hebrew blend, Latin (Amabel), Hebrew/French blend, English, Scottish, American, and Irish origins. In Latin/Hebrew blend, it means "loving grace". In Latin (Amabel), it means "lovable". In Hebrew/French blend, it means "graceful beauty".
Is Annabel a boy or girl name?
Annabel is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Annabel?
Annabel is pronounced AN-uhb-ehl.
How popular is the name Annabel?
Annabel is currently ranked #1611 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Annabel?
Common nicknames for Annabel include Anna, Annie, Belle, Bella, and Bel.
What are good middle names for Annabel?
Popular middle name pairings include Annabel Rose, Annabel Jane, Annabel Clare, Annabel Grace, Annabel Louise, Annabel Marie, and Annabel Kate.
What are good sibling names for Annabel?
Names that pair well with Annabel as siblings include Cecily, Geneva, Edmund, Sebastian, Violet, Harriet, and Rupert.
How many syllables does Annabel have?
Annabel has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Annabel a common or rare name?
Annabel is an uncommon name, ranked #1611 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Annabel
Annabel is a girl name with English, Scottish, American, and Irish origins . The name means "loving grace" in Latin/Hebrew blend .
Annabel is currently ranked #1,611 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Annabel has 3 syllables and is pronounced AN-uhb-ehl, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Annabel include Anna, Annie, Belle, Bella, and Bel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Annabel include Anna, Annabelle, Annalise, Annalee, Annabella . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.