National Isabella Day – October 6, 2022, history significance
Every year, the world celebrates National Isabella Day on October 6. ‘Isabella’ is a Spanish and Italian version of Elizabeth, a name that is already derived from the Hebrew name ‘Elisheba.’ Its literal meaning, according to its origin, is ‘God is my oath.’
Since the 13th century, the names Isabella and Elizabeth have been interchanged in England, both very popular and widely used. It is also well-known in Italy, and in 2019, it was the fifth most popular name in the U.S., according to the Social Security Administration. Today, let’s celebrate the Isabellas of the world.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ISABELLA DAY
Isabella is a Spanish and Italian girl’s name that means “devoted to God,” or “God is my oath.” It has a long history of popularity thanks to royalty, celebrities, and even cartoon characters. The Italian word ‘Bella,’ which means ‘beautiful,’ is interwoven in the name,
and thus has become a popular nickname for it. Many medieval noblewomen bore this name, such as the powerful queen Isabella I of Castile, as well as many queen consorts of England, France, Portugal, the Holy Roman Empire, and Hungary who were called Isabel, Isabella, or a similar form.
The name Isabella was far less popular in the U.S., until the early 1990s when it began to rapidly gain favor. It peaked in 2009 and 2010 when it was the most popular name for females in the U.S.
Some famous bearers of the name include Isabella Rossellini, the famous Italian actress, and Queen Isabella of Spain, who, in 1492, financially aided Christopher Columbus in his travels. She thought that if he could find a faster way to the East’s spices and riches, then it would have been a smart investment, and who would’ve imagined the result!
Since 2004, it has been amongst the top ten most popular names for females in the U.S., and in 2021, over 0.5% of the newborn daughters were Isabellas, which represents around 11,000 of all the baby girls in the country.
NATIONAL ISABELLA DAY TIMELINE
13th Century
Isabella and Elizabeth Rise Up
The names Isabella and Elizabeth become more and more common in Europe.
1990s
The Name Gains Popularity
The name Isabella begins rapidly climbing up in the U.S. baby name charts.
2009 – 2010
The Crowning glory
‘Isabella’ becomes the number one most popular name in the U.S.
2022
National Isabella Day
We celebrate all the Isabellas out there.
NATIONAL ISABELLA DAY ACTIVITIES
Hug your favorite Isabella
As it is one of the most popular names right now, you probably know someone called Isabella. So, go pay them a visit and give them a tight hug on their special day.
Deepen your historical knowledge
Read about some of the most influential Isabellas in history. You will find everything, from notable noblewomen to Saints and everything in between.
Be proud
If you happen to be an Isabella yourself or are named with one of its many variants, then be proud. And let everyone around you know how happy you are to have such a powerful name.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT ISABELLA
She’s in “Encanto”
Isabella Madrigal is one of the main characters in Disney’s “Encanto,” which has received over 180 million views around the world.
Isabella is mostly a girl’s name
Isabella is most commonly used as a first name, and almost always for females.
It is really popular
Over 249,000 individuals in the U.S. are named Isabella, and as of right now it is the seventh most popular name.
She is a cartoon character
Isabella García-Shapiro is Phineas and Ferb’s neighbor and one of their best friends.
It has a lot of nicknames
It can be shortened to Isa, Izzy, Belle, Bella, and a lot more.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL ISABELLA DAY
It’s a social celebration
Gather all of your friends and family in one location, to celebrate all your loved Isabellas. Get ready for a warm and happy reunion.
It shines a light on a beautiful name
Isabella has a beautiful meaning, and many historical figures have had this incredible name. It is a great opportunity to learn more about it.
It allows for gratitude
If you happen to be an Isabella, this is a day to thank your parents for giving you such an amazing name. They will be very happy to know you like it.
