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Arabella

Girl name · 537 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Arabella: 537 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 92 births in 2025.

Derived from the Latin *orabilis* ("prayerful" or "invocable"), Arabella likely emerged as a Scottish variant of Annabel or Amabel before gaining independent popularity. The name is famously tied to Lady Arabella Stuart (1575–1615), a cousin of both Elizabeth I and James VI, whose tragic life and claim to the English throne made her a Tudor-Stuart drama. In modern times, the name has been borne by Arabella Churchill (1949–2007), a pioneering charity patron and descendant of Sir Winston Churchill. The botanical *Arabis* genus (rockcress) shares the same root, linking the name to wildflower meadows. A notable variant, *Arabelle*, has seen occasional use, while literary nods appear in Thomas Hardy’s novel *The Well-Beloved*. Its spirited, feminine charm endures in Scotland, balancing historical gravitas with a melodic, almost musical quality.