Isabel

Isabel is a medieval Iberian adaptation of Elizabeth, itself derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning "my God is an oath" or "my God is abundance." The name spread widely through the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world and gained prominence across medieval Europe through royal bearers such as Isabel I of Castile, the fifteenth-century queen who sponsored Columbus's voyages. It gave rise to numerous variants including Isabella, Isabelle, Isobel, and Ysabel, as well as the pet forms Bel, Bella, and Isa.