Isabela
/i.sa.ˈβe.la/
Isabela is the Spanish and Portuguese spelling of Isabella, itself a medieval Latinate form of Isabel, a Spanish form of Elizabeth. Elizabeth derives from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning “God is my oath” or “my God is abundance.”
Isabella and its variants became royal names across medieval Europe, most famously borne by Isabella I of Castile (1451-1504), the Spanish queen who sponsored Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage.
The single-l spelling Isabela is the standard form in Portuguese and some Spanish contexts.
What the name Isabela means
Isabela peaked in the US at No. 442 in 2004 with 695 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 644 with 456 births, having declined from its early-2000s high.
The double-l Isabella surged dramatically after the Twilight series (Bella Swan’s full name is Isabella). The single-l Isabela occupies the Spanish/Portuguese-heritage niche within that broader Isabella trend.
Five syllables—iz-ah-BEL-uh—are elaborate and graceful. The central stress falls on the third syllable, giving the name a flowing, regal quality shared by its royal historical bearers.
Parents choosing Isabela often have Spanish or Portuguese family heritage and prefer the single-l spelling that reflects their linguistic tradition over the more common double-l form.
Related forms include Isabella (double-l English/Italian), Isabel (short Spanish/Portuguese), Izabela (Polish/Portuguese alternate), Elizabeth (English), and Elisabetta (Italian).
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Isabela
Isabela - similar names
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