Gabrielle is a female given name of French origin. It is derived from the masculine name Gabriel, which means "God is my strength" in Hebrew. The name Gabrielle is often associated with angels and has been popular among Christians throughout history.
The use of Gabrielle as a female name is believed to have started in France during the Middle Ages. It was initially used as a diminutive form of Gabriel, but eventually evolved into an independent feminine name. Over time, Gabrielle gained popularity in other European countries as well, particularly in Italy and Spain.
Some notable figures throughout history have borne the name Gabrielle. One example is Gabrielle d'Estrées, a French courtesan who was a favorite mistress of King Henry IV. Another famous Gabrielle is Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, the iconic French fashion designer known for popularizing the little black dress and the Chanel suit.
Today, Gabrielle remains a popular choice among parents looking to name their daughters. It has a classic yet timeless sound, making it appealing across different generations. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, Gabrielle continues to be recognized as a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history behind it.
The name Gabrielle was quite popular from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, with a peak of 12 births in 1997. However, it appears that its popularity has since declined, with fewer than 10 births per year after 2003. Over the entire period from 1986 to 2009, Gabrielle was given to 160 babies in total.