Mabel Overview
- Meaning: In Latin, Mabel means “lovable” and “dear” and is connected to Amabilis and Amabel. It was initially a pet name that emerged at the same time as Amy. Mabel can also mean “cherished one.”
- Gender: Mabel is traditionally a girl’s name.
- Origin: Mabel has Latin roots, which makes it a derivative of Amabilis. It originated with the Normans, where it appeared as Amabel. In the 17th-century, it evolved to Mabel, the most common variation.
- Pronunciation: Mabel is pronounced “MAY-bell” or “MAY-buhl” worldwide.
- Popularity: Mabel appeared on American name charts in 1900, though etymologists think the title was popular before then. Mabel peaked in 1901, ranking among the top 30 names for girls in the U.S.
- Nicknames: Bella, Belle, Belly, El, Ella, Ellie, May, Maybee.
- Variations: Mabell, Maebel, Maebelle, Maibel, Maibell, Maybell, Maybelle.
- Namesakes: Mabel Cahill, Irish tennis player. Mabel Mercer, American singer.
What Does Mabel Mean?
Mabel means “lovable” and “dear” in Latin and is connected to Amabilis and Amabel. It emerged in the Victorian era and became the equivalent of a pet name. Many consider Mabel a variation of Maeve, though the titles have different interpretations. Parents who want their girls always to feel valued will find solace in Mabel.
What Is the Origin of the Name Mabel?
Mabel has Latin roots, which is a derivative of Amabilis. Mabel originally appeared as Amabel, brought to Europe by the Normans. Mabel became irrelevant after a surge in the 1700s, then reemerged with valiant fictional namesakes in the Victorian era. In the late 1800s, Mabel was among the top 50 names for girls in Europe and America.
How Popular Is the Name Mabel?
Mabel has been a popular option for girls since the 17th-century, first appearing in Europe. Mabel almost disappeared off the map but was brought back to life by a fictional heroine featured in a Charlotte M. Yonge book. The first record of Mabel on American name charts was in 1900, though etymologists think the title was popular before then. Mabel peaked in 1901, ranking among the top 30 names for girls in the U.S.
How Do I Pronounce Mabel?
Mabel is pronounced “MAY-bell” or “MAY-buhl” worldwide.
Is Mabel a Boy or Girl Name?
Mabel is traditionally a girl’s name.
Variations of Mabel
Try one of these cute variations of Mabel:
- Mabell
- Maebel
- Maebelle
- Maibel
- Maibell
- Maybell
- Maybelle
Nicknames for Mabel
These Mabel nicknames are too cute for words:
- Bella
- Belle
- Belly
- El
- Ella
- Ellie
- May
- Maybee
Similar Names to Mabel
These names are similar to Mabel in pronunciation, origin, and meaning:
- Amabel
- Amy
- Bella
- Belle
- Elle
- Hazel
- Isabelle
- Maple
- Mariel
- May
- Sable
Middle Names for Mabel
Try one of these darling middle names for Mabel:
- Ann
- August
- Brooke
- Catrina
- Danielle
- Demi
- James
- Jo
- June
- Kate
- Leah
- Lenora
- Lou
- Lucille
- Olivia
- Rose
- Ruth
- Violet
- Willow
- Zoe
Sibling Names for Mabel
These sibling names for Mabel are a perfect match:
- Alice
- Beatrice
- Eloise
- Emmet
- Fisher
- Hunter
- Ivy
- Jacob
- Jasper
- Lilly
- Louise
- Luca
- Matilda
- Olive
- Oliver
- Parker
- Sylvia
- Warren
- Winifred
- Zoe
Famous People Named Mabel
Learn more about Mabel’s famous namesakes:
- Mabel Cahill: Irish tennis player.
- Mabel King: American singer and actress.
- Mabel Kroger: Professional video gamer.
- Mabel Mercer: American singer.
- Mabel Normand: American silent film actress.
- Mabel Seeley: American novelist.
- Mabel Smit: Princess of Nassau.
Mabel in Popular Culture
Keep an eye out for these pop culture mentions of Mabel:
- Mabel: Minor character in the “Shrek” franchise.
- Mabel Chiltern: Featured in Oscar Wilde’s book “The Ideal Husband.”
- Mabel Fox: Character in “Downton Abbey.”
- Mabel Normand: Song by Stevie Nicks.
- Mabel “Madea” Simmons: Main character in the “Madea” movies.
- Mabel Pines: Featured in the “Gravity Falls” cartoon.
- Mabel Thompson: Featured in television’s “Boardwalk Empire.”
Mabel FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Mabel:
Is Mabel a Rare Name?
Mabel is a vintage title that is far from rare. Mabel first appeared on paper in the 17th-century, then became rare until the late 1800s. Mabel became popular with the rise of fictional namesakes, such as the heroine in “The Heir of Redclyffe” by Charlotte M. Yonge. Mabel appeared on American name charts in 1900, then fell off in 1965, only to reemerge in 2013. Today, you’ll find Mabel in Europe and America.
Is Mabel an Old-Fashioned Name?
Many consider Mabel an old-fashioned name. Its vintage charm has made it a popular option since the 17th-century. In modern culture, everything old becomes new again, including Mabel, which made a comeback in 2013. Mabel could be a great alternative to other timeless titles like Viola, Eleanor, and Olive.
What Celebrities Named Their Children Mabel?
Celebrities adore Mabel, adding to its modern appeal. In 1986, comedian Tracy Ullman chose Mabel for her daughter, with Dermot Mulroney and Chad Lowe. Bruce Wills and his wife named their girl Mabel Ray in 2012, and Russell Brand chose Mabel for his daughter in 2016. With grace and star power, Mabel is bound to be a favorite with celebrities for years to come.
