"lovable, worthy of love"
Mable
Pronunciation: [ m-AYB-uhl ]
A Victorian charmer meaning 'lovable,' back in fashion
Meaning & Origin
"from Amabel, dear one"
The Story of Mable
Mable (usually spelled Mabel) derives from the Old French 'Amabel,' which comes from the Latin 'amabilis' meaning 'lovable' or 'worthy of love.' The name was common in medieval England and France, then fell out of fashion, then experienced a Victorian revival, then faded again — only to return in the 21st century as parents rediscovered its sweet, antique charm. The alternate spelling Mable gives it a slightly more unusual look.
Mabel/Mable experienced a dramatic 21st-century revival, driven by the broader trend of reclaiming Victorian and Edwardian 'grandma names.' The character Mabel Pines in the animated series 'Gravity Falls' (2012–2016) gave it particular resonance with a new generation. British singer Mabel (daughter of Neneh Cherry) also kept the name in pop culture conversation.
In the Victorian era, Mabel was a top-20 name in England and the United States. Its use connected children to an era of refinement and romantic idealism. The name has a gentle, literary quality that makes it feel both nostalgic and timeless.
Fun Facts
- Mabel was a top-20 name in the United States in the 1880s–1900s
- Mabel Pines of 'Gravity Falls' is one of the most beloved animated characters of the 2010s
- British pop star Mabel McVey (daughter of Neneh Cherry) goes by simply 'Mabel' professionally
Mable in Other Languages
Famous People Named Mable
Mabel McVey
Musician
1996
British-Swedish pop singer known as Mabel, daughter of Neneh Cherry; BRIT Award winner for Best New Artist
Mabel Normand
Actor
1892
American silent film actress, comedian, and director; one of early Hollywood's biggest stars and a comedy pioneer
Mabel Pines Fictional
Other
Enthusiastic, creative main character of Disney's animated series 'Gravity Falls'; twin sister of Dipper
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,473
- Total SSA Count
- 73
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Mable is also used as a boy name, ranked #19964.
View Mable as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mable
What does the name Mable mean?
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About the Name Mable
Mable is a girl name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "lovable, worthy of love" in Latin .
Is Mable a boy or girl name? Mable is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,473 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,964. Mable is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mable is currently ranked #2,473 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mable has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYB-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mable include May, Mae, and Mabs. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.