"God is my oath"
Isabela
A royal Iberian classic with Disney fairytale magic
Meaning & Origin
"my God is abundance"
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'βthe 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
Famous People Named Isabela
Isabela Merced
Actor
2001
American actress and singer known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Madame Web
Princess Isabel of Brazil
Royalty
1846
Imperial Princess of Brazil who signed the Golden Law abolishing slavery in 1888
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Isabela
What does the name Isabela mean?
What is the origin of the name Isabela?
Is Isabela a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Isabela?
What are common nicknames for Isabela?
What are good middle names for Isabela?
What are good sibling names for Isabela?
How many syllables does Isabela have?
Is Isabela a common or rare name?
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.