Gabriella is a feminine given name of Italian origin, derived from the masculine name Gabriele. The name Gabriele has its roots in Hebrew, meaning "God is my strength." Therefore, Gabriella can also be interpreted as "God is my strength" or "Strong is God."
The name Gabriella has been used since medieval times and was quite popular among nobility during the Renaissance period in Italy. It gained further popularity through famous figures like the Italian writer and poet Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938), who may have contributed to its widespread use.
In literature, Gabriella appears as a character in the novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo. The name has also been used in various works of art, music, and film, which has likely influenced its popularity over time.
Today, Gabriella is considered a classic and elegant name that remains popular worldwide. It is often associated with strength, grace, and sophistication. Despite its Italian roots, the name Gabriella has been embraced by people from diverse cultural backgrounds, making it a truly international choice for baby girls.
The name Gabriella saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a notable spike beginning in the mid-1990s. Between 1985 and 1989, there were fewer than 60 births per year on average. However, in 1990, this number jumped to 946, marking the start of a consistent rise in Gabriella's popularity.
From 1990 onwards, Gabriella was given to more than 2000 babies each year until it peaked in 2007 with 6037 births. The name maintained its high popularity through the late 2000s and early 2010s, with over 5000 births per year from 2008 to 2012.
However, since 2013, there has been a steady decline in Gabriella's popularity. By 2022, the number of babies named Gabriella had fallen to 2782, marking a significant drop from its peak nearly two decades prior.
Overall, Gabriella has been one of the most popular names for girls since the early 1990s, but its popularity has shown signs of decline in recent years.