Surname Isabel - Meaning and Origin

Isabel: What does the surname Isabel mean?

The surname Isabel does not have a specific meaning as it is commonly used as a first name for girls rather than a last name. If we consider it as a first name, Isabel is of Spanish origin and it is a variation of Elizabeth, meaning "God is my oath" or "pledged to God". It is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, with "El" referring to God, and "sheba" meaning "oath". Variations of this name in different cultures and languages include Isabella, Isabelle, and Isobel. As a last name, Isabel might have been used to signify lineage, denoting "son of Isabel" or "daughter of Isabel".

Isabel: Where does the name Isabel come from?

The last name Isabel is of Spanish origin. It is a variant of the name Elizabeth, which means "pledged to God" or "my God is my oath." The name has been in use since the medieval ages, particularly popular amongst nobility and royalty, especially in Spain, Portugal, and France.

Today, Isabel as a surname is not very common, but as a first name, it is still popular in several countries around the world, especially in Hispanic communities. Countries such as Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Argentina have a high frequency of this name. In the United States too, particularly in states with considerable Latinx communities, like California and Texas, Isabel is a popular first name. As a last name, however, it is less common but can be found in various countries due to immigration and dispersion of Spanish descendants. It's relevant to note that a surname’s prevalence does not necessarily correspond with its country of origin; migration patterns throughout history significantly affect where surnames show up globally.

Variations of the surname Isabel

The surname Isabel has various spellings, variants, and related surnames across different cultures and languages. The spelling variations are often due to phonetic translations when a name enters a new language. Some of the variants and spellings of Isabel include Isabell, Isabelle, Isabella, Isobel, Izabel, Ysabel, Ysabelle, and Ysabella.

The surname Isabel can also be associated with the given name Elizabeth, as Isabel originated as a Spanish variation of Elizabeth. Therefore, variations of Elizabeth such as Elisabeth, Elisabeta, Elisabetta, Elizabet, Elspeth, and Eilís can also be related.

Further, the popularity of Isabel as a first name leads to it appearing as a component in various surnames, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, where patronymic naming patterns are common. Examples are Fernandez de Isabella, Sanchez de Isabella and so on. It can also appear as a variant of surname in different languages like D'Isabelle in French or Von Isabella in German.

In terms of surnames of the same origin, it's less common, but a surname like "Isabellson" or "Isabels" might imply patrilineal descent from an ancestor named Isabel.

Famous people with the name Isabel

• Queen Isabella I of Castile, also known as Isabella the Catholic, who reigned from 1474–1504
• Isabella Rossellini, daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian director Roberto Rossellini and an accomplished actress and model
• Isabella Blow, a British fashion editor and creative consultant
• Isabella Ferrari, an Italian film, television, and stage actress
• Isabella Gomez, a Colombian American actress
• Isabella Accorsi, an Italian actress, best known for her roles in television series
• Isabella Boylston, an American ballet dancer
• Isabella Santoni, a Brazilian actress
• Isabella De Maddalena, an Italian actress
• Isabella Parigi, a French singer

Other surnames

IsabellIsabelle