"yielding to prayer, easily entreated"
Arabella
Pronunciation: [ ar-uhb-EHL-uh ]
Does Arabella flow with your last name?
Four syllables of vintage elegance and aristocratic charm
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Arabella
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"beautiful"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Arabella
Arabella is thought to derive from the Latin 'orabilis', meaning 'yielding to prayer' or 'easily entreated'. It may also be a variant of Annabella (from Hebrew Hannah + Latin bella). The name appeared in Scotland as early as the 12th century and was used by aristocratic families. It gained literary prestige through its use in poetry and 18th-century novels as a name for refined, beautiful heroines.
Arabella surged in popularity in the 2010s as parents sought an alternative to Isabella that felt both classic and distinctive. Its use in the Arctic Monkeys' 2013 song 'Arabella' introduced the name to a new generation, and royal associations (Princess Arabella in fiction and aristocratic families) have kept it fashionable.
Arabella has deep roots in Scottish and English aristocracy, with historical bearers including members of the Stuart royal family. In Italian-speaking regions, the name Arabella has been used since the Renaissance, carried by noble families.
Historical Record
Arabella first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 25,827 babies have been named Arabella in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Arabella is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #206 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Arctic Monkeys song 'Arabella' (2013) significantly boosted the name's popularity among millennials
- Arabella Stuart (1575-1615) was a claimant to the English throne, cousin to James I
- Richard Strauss composed an opera titled 'Arabella' (1933), cementing the name's romantic operatic associations
Arabella in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Arabella
Arabella Stuart
Royalty
1575
English noblewoman and claimant to the English throne, cousin of King James I
Arabella (Arctic Monkeys song) Fictional
Musician
Character featured in the Arctic Monkeys' 2013 song from the album AM, sparking a baby name trend
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #206
- Total SSA Count
- 1,476
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish Italian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Arabella
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arabella
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About the Name Arabella
Arabella is a girl name with English, Scottish, Italian, and American origins . The name means "yielding to prayer, easily entreated" in Latin .
Arabella is currently ranked #206 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Arabella has 4 syllables and is pronounced ar-uhb-EHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Arabella include Ara, Bella, Belle, and Arabel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Arabella include Arabelle . 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