"lovable, dear"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Mabel
Pronunciation: [ m-AYB-uhl ]
Does Mabel flow with your last name?
Victorian lovability making a chic comeback
English
American
Vintage
Whimsical
Playful
Elegant
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"worthy of love"
Origin: Latin Amabilis
Language: English
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The Story of Mabel
Mabel comes from the Latin 'amabilis,' meaning lovable or dear — the same root as the word 'amiable.' It was a popular medieval English name, appearing in records from the 11th century onward. The name faded through the Victorian era and was considered old-fashioned by the mid-20th century. Now it's experiencing a spectacular revival as parents seek out charming vintage names with built-in warmth.
Mabel peaked in the 1880s-1900s in the US and UK, then spent most of the 20th century in decline. It began its comeback in the 2010s, riding the wave of vintage revival names like Hazel, Florence, and Edith. Musician Mabel (daughter of Neneh Cherry) has given the name contemporary cool.
Mabel appears in Victorian literature and music — perhaps most famously in Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta The Pirates of Penzance (1879), where Mabel is the romantic lead. The name's wholesome, lovable meaning made it a favorite for endearing characters.
Historical Record
Mabel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 15,919 babies have been named Mabel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mabel is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #222 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mabel is the romantic lead in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance (1879)
- British pop star Mabel (born Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey) is the daughter of Neneh Cherry
- The name comes from the same Latin root as 'amiable' and 'amicable'
Mabel in Other Languages
Latin
Amabilis
French
Mabel
German
Mabel
Spanish
Mabel
Popularity Over Time
#222
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mabel
M
Mabel
Musician
1996
British-Swedish pop singer and songwriter, daughter of Neneh Cherry, known for 'Don't Call Me Up'
M
Mabel Normand
Actor
1892
Silent film actress and comedian who was one of the biggest stars of the early Hollywood era
M
Mabel Pines Fictional
Other
Optimistic, sweater-wearing twin protagonist of the Disney animated series Gravity Falls
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #222
- Total SSA Count
- 1,380
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Mae
Mabs
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mabel
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Mabel is also used as a boy name, ranked #34151.
View Mabel as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Mabel
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mabel
What does the name Mabel mean?
"lovable, dear" (from Latin). "worthy of love" (from Latin Amabilis). Mabel comes from the Latin 'amabilis,' meaning lovable or dear — the same root as the word 'amiable.' It was a popular medieval English name, appearing in records from the 11th century onward. The name faded through the Victorian era and was considered old-fashioned by the mid-20th century. Now it's experiencing a spectacular revival as parents seek out charming vintage names with built-in warmth.
What is the origin of the name Mabel?
Mabel has Latin, Latin Amabilis, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "lovable, dear". In Latin Amabilis, it means "worthy of love".
Is Mabel a boy or girl name?
Mabel is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #222. As a boy name, it is ranked #34151. Mabel is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mabel?
Mabel is pronounced m-AYB-uhl.
How popular is the name Mabel?
Mabel is currently ranked #222 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mabel?
Common nicknames for Mabel include Mae and Mabs.
What are good middle names for Mabel?
Popular middle name pairings include Mabel Rose, Mabel Jane, Mabel Grace, Mabel June, Mabel Pearl, Mabel Louise, and Mabel Frances.
What are good sibling names for Mabel?
Names that pair well with Mabel as siblings include Hazel, Florence, Walter, Ernest, Edith, Rupert, Iris, and Archibald.
How many syllables does Mabel have?
Mabel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mabel a common or rare name?
Mabel is a popular name, ranked #222 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Mabel
Mabel is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "lovable, dear" in Latin .
Is Mabel a boy or girl name? Mabel is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #222 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #34,151. Mabel is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mabel is currently ranked #222 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mabel has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AYB-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mabel include Mae and Mabs. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis