Of Latin and Greek origin.
Isabel is the Medieval Occitan form of Elizabeth.
It became common among the royalty during the 12th century.
When Isabella of Angoulême married King John in the 13the century, it became popular in England too.
It was the name of many royals during the Middle Ages, including spouses of kings in France, Hungary, and Portugal.
Isabella I of Castile was a powerful bearer of the name. She supported and financed Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage that led to the opening of the New World and, of course, the discovery of a new continent, America.
Variants and diminutives: Isabella, Ysabel, Isbel, Izabella, Isa, Ella, Elsa, Izzy, Lisbeth, Bella, Isobel.
Isabel is ranked #52 in Portugal, #53 in Austria, #59 in Chile, #60 in Spain, #69 in Italy, #87 in Australia.
Famous bearers are Isabel Allende, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Isabel Lucas, Isabel Sanford,