Isobel (f.) this form of Elizabeth (q.v.) seems to have developed in Provence, and became almost universal in both Spain and France. Camden (1605) says of it: ‘Isabel - one with Elizabeth; if the Spaniards do not mistake, which always translate Elizabeth into Isabel, and the French into Isabeau.’ Isabella Clara Eugenia, d. of Philip II of Spain, signed her name Isabel, had coins struck ‘Albert and Elisabet’ and seals with Isabella. The names were still interchangeable in the 16th C; for instance a Berkshire yeoman in his will, 1542, names his wife Isabel, but in her own will, two years later, she is named Elizabeth. Isabel first appears in England in the 12th C, and its rapid spread may have been due to its being the name of three queens, Isabel of Angoulême, wife of King John; Isabel of France, wife of Edward II; and Isabel oi France, 2nd wife of Richard II. In the 13th and 14th C it was one of the commonest female names in England. In the 15th and 16th C it is often spelt Issabel, sometimes Esabel. It gave rise to many surnames, such as Isabell, Isbell; lbb, lbbs, Ibson, lbbison (from the nickname lb); Nibbs, Tibbs, Libby (from other nicknames); Ibbetson (from the diminutive Ibbot). The English form of the name is usually Isabel, or the latinized Isabella, which came in in the 18th C. Belle is a common pet-form. In Scotland Isabel, Isbel, or Ishbel and the nickname Tibby are used. Borrow’s Isopel Berners was probably a phonetic reminiscence of the Scottish Isobel, in which the s is often pronounced hard.

Isabele Curia Regis Rolls 1196. Isabella Curia Regis Rolls 1199, Yorks Poll Tax of West Riding of Yorkshire 1379 1379. Isabel, Isabell Assize Rolls 1284, Hundred Rolls 1273. Issabell Lincs 1450, 1535. Ezabell The Coventry Leet Book 1471. Ibot, Ibota Yorks Poll Tax of West Riding of Yorkshire 1379 1379. Ibbet Cornish Parish Registers 1579.

ISOBEL. Originally Elisabeth: see Elizabeth. ‘Scotland and France are the countries of Isabel; England and Germany of Elizabeth.’ ‘Elisabeth of Hainault, on her marriage with Philippe Auguste (King of France, 1180-1223), seems to have been the first to suffer the transformation into Isabelle, the French being the nation of all others who delighted to bring everything into conformity with their own pronunciation. The royal name thus introduced became popular among the crown vassals.’ (Yonge.)

ISABELLA. According to some this name is the same as Jezebel, which Tregelles thinks may mean ‘without cohabitation,’ i. e. αλοχος, Plat. p. 249 B, chaste, modest; and he compares it with Agnes. Bailey says ‘Isabella, q. d. Eliza Bella, handsome Elizabeth;’ but Isabella is rather from Isabel, the Spanish rendering of Elizabeth. A correspondent of N. Q. 4th S. iii. 516, says he has written proofs that one and the same person, the celebrated Isabella Clara Eugenia, daughter of Philip II., whilst she signed ‘Isabel, Assabel, ’ had coins and medals struck with ‘Albert and Elisabet,’ and diplomatic seals with ‘Isabella, D. Greek Hispan. Infans.’ The nicknames are Nib and Nibble.’

Spanish (feminine) - God is her oath, or a worshipper of God.