Isabella
Isabella is the Spanish and Italian form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew "Elisheva" — "my God is an oath" or "devoted to God." The name traveled from Hebrew to Greek (Elisabet) to Latin to the Romance languages, picking up its doubled L and its musical rhythm along the way. History is full of formidable Isabellas. Isabella I of Castile funded Columbus's voyage in 1492 and unified Spain. Isabella of France married Edward II of England and then, when he proved incompetent, led an invasion to depose him. These were not women who waited for things to happen to them. The name had a long dormant period in the English-speaking world — it felt too formal, too continental — until the 2000s, when it suddenly exploded. It was the #1 girl name in the US from 2010 to 2012, largely driven by the Twilight series' protagonist Bella Swan. Even after the Twilight fever faded, Isabella stayed in the top 10. The name has too much historical weight and too beautiful a sound to fade quickly. Isabella is a female name of Hebrew / Spanish / Italian origin that means "Devoted to God (from Elizabeth)". Romantic, determined, and regal. The four syllables give it grandeur, but the "Bella" nickname keeps it playful. Isabellas carry themselves with presence. US #1 from 2010-2012. Top 10 ever since. Well-known people named Isabella include Queen Isabella I of Castile, Isabella Rossellini (actress), Isabella of France (queen), Isabella Blow (fashion editor). Common variations and related forms of Isabella include Isabel (Spanish/Portuguese), Isabelle (French), Elisabetta (Italian), Elspeth (Scottish), Bella (nickname).