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Isobel

Girl name · 845 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Isobel: 845 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 35 births in 2017.

Isobel is the Scottish form of Isabel, itself a medieval Occitan and Spanish variant of Elizabeth, ultimately from the Hebrew *Elisheva*, meaning "God is my oath." One of the most famous bearers was Isobel Gowdie, a Scottish woman from Auldearn who in 1662 gave one of the most vivid and detailed confessions of witchcraft ever recorded in Scotland, offering a rare glimpse into folk belief. The name was borne by the celebrated Scottish folk singer and storyteller Isobel Campbell, and also by the painter Isobel Atterbury. A lovely place connection is Port Isabel in Texas, though it shares only the name’s root with the Scottish form. A cherished Scottish variant is Ishbel, used notably in the Highlands, while the pet form “Izzy” is equally playful.