Gender: Feminine
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: “invokable”
Eng. (air-uh-BEL-luh)
A popular female name in Medieval Scotland it is derived from the Latin orabilis meaning “invokable.”
The name was borne by Lady Arabella Stuart (1575-1615) was a Scottish noblewoman who had been considered a successor to Queen Elizabeth I.
Currently, Arabella is the 386th most popular female name in the United States, (2010).
Other forms of the name include:
- Arbella (English: archaic)
- Orabel (English: archaic)
- Orable (English: archaic)
- Orabilis (Latin)
Source
Arabella was used very much in use in 18th century England. The aristocracy seem to have been fans of Arabella (they were also keen on Isabella by the look of things). It has a sweetness and a ladylike reserve that I like.