Girl · Modern · International
Arabella
ArabellaSay it ar-uh-BEL-uh
- Meaning today
- Yielding to prayer, beautiful altar
- Original meaning
- "of uncertain origin; a medieval Scottish name" Lewis & Short, s.v. orabilis
- Say it
- ar-uh-BEL-uh
- Other spellings
- Arabelle, Arrabella
Arabella
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Arabella meaning
Arabella is an international girl's name.
Meaning today
Yielding to prayer, beautiful altar
Original uncertain (medieval Scottish) meaning
"of uncertain origin; a medieval Scottish name"
Source: Lewis & Short, A Latin Dictionary (1879), s.v. orabilis · entry ōrābĭlis · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026
Arabella is an old Scottish name whose origin is not known for certain. It is often explained from Latin ōrābilis, a rare word that Lewis and Short's dictionary gives as "exorable", able to be moved by entreaty, which is the source of the popular meaning "yielding to prayer". Others see it as a Scottish variant of Annabel or Amabel, and "beautiful altar", from Latin ara and bella, is a modern folk reading. The best-known historical bearer is Lady Arabella Stuart (1575–1615), a cousin of King James I who was for a time seen as a possible heir to the English throne. It shortens to Bella or Ara.
References: Lewis & Short, orabilis (alatius.com) · Wikipedia, Arabella (given name) · Wikipedia, Lady Arbella Stuart
Famous namesakes
- Lady Arabella Stuart, English noblewoman and cousin of James I
Popularity abroad
- #213 United States, girls 2025 (down 7 from 206 in 2024)
US Social Security Administration - #22 England and Wales, girls 2025
Office for National Statistics
Official birth registrations. India publishes no national name statistics.
Spellings
Arabella · Arabelle · Arrabella