Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Arabella

What we are certain of is that Arabella originated in Scotland; what we don’t know is the precise source of that origin. Most etymological sources conclude that Arabella is an alteration of Annabella, from the medieval Amabel derived from the Latin “amabilis” meaning ‘lovable’. Others say it could be a mutation from the Latin word “orabilis” meaning ‘susceptible to prayer’ (from “orare” meaning ‘to pray’). The most notable Scottish bearer of this name was Lady Arabella Stuart (1575-1615) who was a possible successor to the English throne after Queen Elizabeth I of England. Arabella was the cousin of King James VI of Scotland and the great-great-granddaughter of King Henry VII of England. It would turn out that James became the successor king of both Scotland and England, but a plot was hatched (with the aid of Spain and apparently Sir Walter Raleigh) to replace him with Arabella. She, having no aspirations to the throne, promptly reported the plan to James. It seems that she was in-and-out of the king’s good graces from thereon despite her integrity. As 4th in line to the throne, her marriage selections were a subject of much controversy. Arabella and Lord Beauchamp (who happened to be 6th in line to the throne) secretly married but were separated by imprisonment. They attempted to escape and sail to France, but after Beauchamp’s delay, Arabella was forced to sail by herself. King James’s men intercepted her ship and she was placed in the notorious Tower of London where she died of starvation without seeing her beloved husband again. Poor Arabella was another casualty of the paranoid family in-fighting and obsessive political protection of the English monarchy. Can you imagine imprisoning and basically killing your cousin? This was just another typical medieval day among the English royals when the love of power outweighed familial bonds.

All About the Baby Name – Arabella

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ARABELLA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ARABELLA

Arabella is a name that’s been around in the United States since the late 19th century, although her usage was so sporadic and uncommon it was barely detectable on the charts. For all intents and purposes, Arabella is a name that was not used in America for the entire 20th century. Then suddenly – BOOM! She re-entered the charts in 2005. The most recent naming trends (especially for girls) favor flowery, four-syllable Latinate-sounding names. Arabella fits the bill. But this name is also interesting and rooted in Scottish history giving her a slight edge over the other “bella” names. The name is both wistful and poetic. It’s airy and sophisticated. It’s a great alternative if you’re a fan of Isabella (which is the #2 name in America so now too overused and common). Arabella is increasing in stature, but she’s never been a super popular name in America. Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, just named her daughter Arabella Rose in July 2011. It’s a little frilly, fancy and ultra-feminine, but there’s no denying its beauty and poetic quality. These “ella” names are all the rage. Isabella, Ella, Gabriella, Bella, Stella, Daniella and Annabella all have Arabella beat on the charts, but watch out for this ‘lovable’ beauty, she just may be the answer to your ‘prayers’!

Quick Facts

ON ARABELLA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Scottish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

210

PRONUNCIATION:

air-a-BELL-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Lovable, Susceptible to prayer

Characteristics

OF ARABELLA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Arabella

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ARABELLA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Arabella

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ARABELLA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Arabella


Popular Songs

ON ARABELLA

Arabella
a song by The Blue Druids

Famous People

NAMED ARABELLA

Lady Arabella Stuart (Scottish/English royalty)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ARABELLA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Arabella

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ARABELLA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Arabella