Gabrielle is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the male name Gabriel, which means "God is my strength" in Hebrew. The name Gabrielle has been popular throughout history and has been worn by several notable figures.
The first recorded use of the name Gabrielle was in France during the Middle Ages. It became particularly popular among the French nobility and was often given to daughters born into wealthy families. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Gabrielle d'Estrées, a mistress of King Henry IV of France who had considerable political influence.
The name Gabrielle also has literary associations. It is the title character in "Gabrielle," a novel by French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. The story follows Gabrielle's journey from rural France to Paris and her experiences as an artist's model.
In English-speaking countries, Gabrielle became more widely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has since appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature, film, and television. Today, Gabrielle remains a beloved name choice for parents seeking something elegant and distinctive for their daughters.
The name Gabrielle experienced fluctuations in popularity over the decades, with peaks in the late 1980s and mid-1990s, reaching a high of 34 births in 1994. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, with only 5 births recorded in 2022. Overall, Gabrielle has been given to 780 newborn girls since 1973.