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Ishbel

Girl name · 151 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ishbel: 151 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 8 births in 2000.

A distinctly Scottish variant of Isabel, Ishbel ultimately traces back to the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath." This elegant form flourished in Scotland as a beloved alternative to its more common counterparts. Notable bearers include Ishbel MacDonald, daughter of Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, who served as her father's official hostess, and Ishbel Maria Hamilton-Gordon, the Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, a pioneering social reformer and Viceregal consort of Canada. While no major places bear the exact spelling, the related name Isabel appears in scores of locations worldwide. Interestingly, the spelling Ishbel became particularly prominent in the 20th century thanks to the fashion for Gaelic-infused names, yet its roots stretch back through centuries of Scottish naming tradition.

Girl 37 of 52 years

Peak year
20008 babies
Latest (2024)
#5415 babies
Total births
151since 1974
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2000 · 8
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).