What Does the Name Anabel Mean?

Unraveling the Name Anabel

Anabel is a charming and somewhat uncommon name with a rich history. It’s generally considered a variant of Annabel, which itself combines the name Anna (meaning ‘grace’) with the suffix ‘-bel,’ often linked to ‘beautiful.’ The origin is debated, but it’s believed to have emerged in the 16th century as a combination of existing names, giving it an elegant and slightly whimsical feel.

Pronunciation Guide

IPA: /əˈnæbəl/

Phonetic: uh-NAH-bel

A Feminine Name

female

Sweet Nicknames

• Anna
• Abel
• Belle
• Annie
• Abby
• Nan

Notable Anabels

• Anabel Taylor — American actress
• Anabel Croft — English tennis player

Cultural and Historical Context

Anabel has seen periods of popularity in various Western cultures, particularly during the Victorian era. While not a mainstream name today, it maintains an air of sophistication and vintage charm. Its combination of familiar elements gives it broad appeal.

Global Distribution

Anabel is most commonly found in English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It’s also present in Spain and Portugal, though less frequently than some other names.

Names with Similar Vibes

• Arabella
• Arabella
• Abigail
• Isabelle
• Gabriella
• Adeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Anabel mean?

Anabel is believed to mean ‘beautiful grace,’ combining the name Anna and the element ‘-bel’.

Is Anabel a biblical name?

While not directly mentioned in the Bible, Anabel is derived from Anna, a significant figure in the New Testament.