Isabela

Isabel developed as a medieval Provençal form of Elizabeth originally used in France, Spain and Portugal. Isabela is a Latinate form used primarily among the Spanish and Portuguese. Isabella was popularized in medieval Europe in part thanks to Isabella of Angoulême, an early 13th century French noblewoman who was betrothed to King John of England in 1200 (at the ripe old age of about 12!). Not only did Isabella hold the lofty position of Queen Consort of England, but she was also the mother to another future king, Henry III of England. Another namesake was Isabella of France (daughter of King Philip IV of France). As a girl of twelve (again!), this Isabella was also sent to England to marry King Edward II (who she would eventually have deposed and murdered, consequently earning her the sobriquet “She-wolf of France”). Another illustrious medieval Isabella was the 15th century Queen of Castile and León who famously financed Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage to the New World. See historic references on the Isabella page for more information on these memorable medieval Isabellas. While the name Elizabeth has maintained widespread popularity thanks to the Biblical reference, the forms of Isabel, Isabela, Isabelle and Isabella were largely popularized by European royalty in the Middle Ages (the name is actually Ysabel in Old Spanish). All of the “Isabel” names can find their root origin in the Hebrew "Elisheba", which means "God is my oath". Elisheba/Elizabeth shows up in Exodus as the wife of Aaron (the older brother of Moses and a prophet in his own right). Separately, another Biblical Elizabeth appears in the New Testament (herself a descended of Aaron) as the mother of John the Baptist. Through centuries of movement through various geographies, cultures and languages, Isabela is yet another derivation of Elisheba. The particular spelling of Isabela is most popular in Portuguese-speaking Brazil. Diminutives include Isa, Izzy and Bella.