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Belle

Girl name · 281 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Belle: 281 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 30 births in 2018.

Originating from the French word for "beautiful," Belle has long stood as a name of elegance and charm, often used as a short form of Isabella or Annabella but gaining independent popularity. Its most iconic bearer is the spirited bookworm from Disney's *Beauty and the Beast*, a character who helped cement the name in modern culture. Historically, Belle Boyd was a Confederate spy during the American Civil War, while outlaw Belle Starr became a legendary figure of the Wild West. Place connections include several Belle Isle locations in the United States and Canada, and Belle Glade, Florida, all reflecting the same root. A notable variant is the Scottish spelling Bell, which also appears as a surname, linking Belle to a rich tapestry of both fairy-tale romance and real-world grit.