"loving grace"
Annabel
Pronunciation: [ AN-uhb-ehl ]
Does Annabel flow with your last name?
A timeless Scottish name immortalized by Poe's poetry
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"lovable"
"graceful beauty"
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Browse nicknames →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.
Historical Record
Annabel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 11,580 babies have been named Annabel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Annabel is past its peak , currently ranked #1,611 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Annabel
Annabel Crabb
Writer
1973
Australian journalist, author, and broadcaster known for the ABC program Kitchen Cabinet
Annabella Drummond
Royalty
1350
Queen consort of Scotland as wife of Robert III, mother of King James I of Scotland
Annabel Lee (literary) Fictional
Other
The beloved narrator of Edgar Allan Poes final poem (1849), symbolic of eternal love
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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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Annabel
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Germanic/Welsh compound origin
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American English origin
"darling, dear beloved one"
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Old French surname variant origin
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Latin lucere (to shine) origin
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Greek etymology origin
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Hebrew origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Annabel
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis