Mabel is a charming and distinctive given name of English origin. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval period where it was used as a diminutive form of Amabel, which means "lovable." The name Amabel itself is derived from the Latin words 'amare,' meaning "to love," and 'bella,' meaning "beautiful."
The use of Mabel as an independent given name became popular during the Victorian era in England. It was often used to honor family members or to follow trends set by notable figures such as Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Mary, whose nickname was May but was also known as Mabel.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried this name. One of the most famous is Mabel Lucie Attwell (1879-1964), a renowned English children's book illustrator and cartoonist. Her work remains popular today and has had a significant influence on modern children's literature.
Mabel also gained popularity in North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its usage peaking in the 1890s before declining towards the mid-20th century. Recently, however, there has been renewed interest in this classic name, as many parents seek unique yet timeless options for their children.
In summary, Mabel is a vintage English given name that originated from the Latin word 'amare,' meaning "to love." It became popular during the Victorian era and has been carried by several notable individuals throughout history. Despite its historical popularity, it remains relatively uncommon today, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name.
The name Mabel saw its peak popularity between 1890 and 1920 with the highest number of births recorded in 1912 at 15. After that period, usage declined significantly until it reached a low point between 1937 to 1940 with only 5 births each year. Overall, there were 409 babies named Mabel across these years.