Isabel, the medieval Occitan form of Elizabeth, is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva and composed of the Hebrew elements el, meaning "God," and shava, meaning "oath." Together, it translates to "oath to God" or "my God is an oath." Most Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking families prefer Isabel over Elizabeth. The name has appeared in the Social Security Administration's top 1,000 for girl names every year since 1900 and was a top-100 girl's name every year between 1999 and 2008. It's the way ABC News correspondent Rebecca Jarvis spells her daughter's name, Isabel Noemi, but most American parents today prefer Isabella or Isabelle.
