Arabella means yielding to prayer — from the Latin orabilis — and it sounds like a prayer answered. Four syllables of aristocratic beauty that have been used in Scotland since the 12th century. The Arctic Monkeys' song Arabella (2013) gave it indie-rock credibility. It's the most musical of the -bella names: where Isabella is operatic, Arabella is a string quartet — intimate, elegant, and perfectly composed.
Latin orabilis (yielding to prayer)→medieval Scottish Arabella
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Latin / Scottish roots
Arabella most likely comes from the Latin orabilis, meaning yielding to prayer. It has been used in Scotland since at least the 12th century, favoured by aristocratic families. Richard Strauss composed the opera Arabella (1933) as a romantic comedy set in 1860s Vienna. The Arctic Monkeys' Arabella, from their 2013 album AM, brought the name to a younger, indie-rock audience. The name has been climbing the US charts steadily, appealing to parents who love the -bella ending but want something more distinctive than Isabella.
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First recorded
Earliest known use: 12th century Scotland; used by Scottish aristocratic families for centuries.
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Today
Arabella remains a beloved choice, ranking #196 in the US. 26,512 babies have been named Arabella since 1881.
◈ Sources: Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names, SSA data
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How popular is Arabella?
2014peak year
Today, Arabella ranks around #196 in the United States, with roughly 1,564 new arrivals per year. But it wasn't always this way. At its peak in 2014, 1,912 babies were given the name (ranked #174 nationally). Its strongest stretch was the 2010s. Arabella's usage has held roughly steady recently. In all, around 26,512 babies have been registered as Arabella since 1880.
Year-by-year registrations1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
1,912 Babies named in peak year (ranked #174)
1,564Avg. per year (last decade)
15,640Total registrations last 10 years
26,512All-time total (since 1880)
Popularity in the US today (rank #196)Very popular
Arabella's Life Path 7 is the seeker's number — fitting for a name meaning yielding to prayer. People named Arabella tend to be contemplative, elegant, and attuned to the spiritual dimensions of life. Their beauty has depth.
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