Belle is a French-origin female given name that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. The name Belle is derived from the Old French word "belle," which means beautiful. It is often used as a nickname for Isabella, Isabelle, or other names that have similar meanings.
The name Belle has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous Bearers of the name was Marie Joséphine de La Baume Le Blanc, also known as Bellegarde, who was a French aristocrat and salonnière during the 18th century. She was known for her intelligence, wit, and beauty, and hosted one of the most celebrated salons in Paris.
Another notable figure with the name Belle is Belle González, a Mexican-American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as "La Reina de la Música Tejana," she was a pioneer of tejano music and had a significant impact on the genre's development.
In popular culture, the name Belle has been used in several films and television shows. One of the most well-known is Beauty and the Beast, a Disney animated film released in 1991. In the movie, Belle is the heroine who falls in love with a prince cursed to be a beast. The story has since become one of Disney's most beloved classics.
Overall, the name Belle is a beautiful and timeless choice for a girl's name. With its French origins and meanings of beauty, it has been popular throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents today. Whether you're looking for a classic name with a modern twist or simply love the sound of Belle, this name is sure to be a stunning choice.
Based on the provided statistics, the popularity of the name Belle has fluctuated significantly over the past century and a half in the United States.
The name's peak in popularity occurred during the early to mid-20th century. In the year 1915, there were a total of 407 births with the name Belle, marking the highest number of occurrences for that specific year. This trend continued through the following years, with the name remaining relatively popular until the late 1960s.
However, beginning in the early 1970s, the popularity of the name Belle began to decline significantly. By the year 1985, there were only 9 births recorded with the name Belle, marking a significant decrease from its peak decades earlier.
The name's popularity continued to fluctuate over the following years, with some periods seeing an increase in usage and others experiencing a decrease. For example, between the years 1992 and 1995, there was a noticeable resurgence in the popularity of the name Belle, with numbers ranging from 35 to 55 births per year.
However, since the turn of the millennium, the popularity of the name Belle has remained relatively low. Between the years 2000 and 2021, the number of annual births with the name Belle has varied between a low of 84 in the year 2000 to a high of 274 in the year 2022.
In conclusion, while the name Belle has experienced periods of popularity throughout its history in the United States, it is clear that its usage has significantly declined over time. Despite this, it remains a unique and historic name with a rich heritage that continues to be used today, albeit on a much smaller scale than in previous decades.