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Isabela

Girl Name #644 Most Popular Steady 4 Syllables

A royal Iberian classic with Disney fairytale magic

Spanish Portuguese Latin American Brazilian
Elegant Classic Royal Sophisticated Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"God is my oath"
Origin: Hebrew (Elisheba)
Language: Portuguese
"my God is abundance"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English

The Story of Isabela

Isabela is the Portuguese and Spanish single-L form of Isabella, itself an Italian and Latinate form of Isabel, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath' or 'my God is abundance'β€”the same root as Elizabeth. The name traveled from Hebrew to Greek (Elisabet) to Latin (Elisabetha) and then developed in Iberian Romance languages as Isabel, with Isabela the Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish spelling. Queens and empresses across Europe carried this name.

Isabela (single L) is the preferred spelling in Brazil and Portugal, where it is consistently a top-10 name. In the US, it appeals to Latino families who want the culturally authentic Brazilian/Spanish spelling rather than the Italian double-L Isabella. It gained additional visibility through the Disney animated film Encanto (2021), where Isabela Madrigal is a major character.

In Brazil, Isabela is one of the most beloved girls' names, carrying connotations of elegance and royalty (the Empress Isabel of Brazil signed the Golden Law abolishing slavery in 1888). The Encanto character Isabela Madrigal introduced the name to a new generation of global audiences.

Fun Facts

  • Princess Isabel of Brazil signed the Lei Aurea (Golden Law) abolishing slavery in 1888
  • Isabela Madrigal from Disney's Encanto (2021) powers the name's appeal among young families
  • The name Elizabeth and Isabela share the same Hebrew root (Elisheba)

Isabela in Other Languages

French Isabelle
Hebrew Elisheba
Italian Isabella
Spanish Isabela
Portuguese Isabela

Famous People Named Isabela

I

Isabela Merced

Actor

2001

American actress and singer known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Madame Web

P

Princess Isabel of Brazil

Royalty

1846

Imperial Princess of Brazil who signed the Golden Law abolishing slavery in 1888

I

Isabela Madrigal Fictional

Other

Character in Disney's Encanto (2021), whose magical gift creates flowers and plants

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
4
Popularity Rank
#644
Total SSA Count
456
Cultural Origins
Spanish Portuguese Latin American Brazilian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Isa Bela Bella Iza

Pairs Well With

Isabela Sofia Isabela Marie Isabela Grace Isabela Luna Isabela Valentina Isabela Rose

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Isabela

What does the name Isabela mean?
"God is my oath" (from Hebrew (Elisheba)). "my God is abundance" (from Hebrew). Isabela is the Portuguese and Spanish single-L form of Isabella, itself an Italian and Latinate form of Isabel, which comes from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath' or 'my God is abundance'β€”the same root as Elizabeth. The name traveled from Hebrew to Greek (Elisabet) to Latin (Elisabetha) and then developed in Iberian Romance languages as Isabel, with Isabela the Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish spelling. Queens and empresses across Europe carried this name.
What is the origin of the name Isabela?
Isabela has Hebrew (Elisheba), Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Brazilian origins. In Hebrew (Elisheba), it means "God is my oath". In Hebrew, it means "my God is abundance".
Is Isabela a boy or girl name?
Isabela is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Isabela?
Isabela is currently ranked #644 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Isabela?
Common nicknames for Isabela include Isa, Bela, Bella, and Iza.
What are good middle names for Isabela?
Popular middle name pairings include Isabela Sofia, Isabela Marie, Isabela Grace, Isabela Luna, Isabela Valentina, and Isabela Rose.
What are good sibling names for Isabela?
Names that pair well with Isabela as siblings include Mateo, Sofia, Gabriel, Valentina, Rafael, and Lucia.
How many syllables does Isabela have?
Isabela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Isabela a common or rare name?
Isabela is moderately common, ranked #644 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Isabela

Isabela is a girl name with Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Brazilian origins . The name means "God is my oath" in Hebrew (Elisheba) .

Isabela is currently ranked #644 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Isabela has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Isabela include Isa, Bela, Bella, and Iza. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Isabela include Isabella, Isabel, Isabelle, Isabell . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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