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I've heard that Isabella's origin is uncertain, but it's either a variant form of Elizabeth or Jezebel (or some other Semitic name). Are there any other theories? When and where did Isabella / Isabel first start being used?
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All the references I have seen definitely state that Isabel originated in Spain.
I have seen the claim that Isabel originally comes from words meaning "beautiful Isis" and so was similar in origin to Isidor. Those who believe that think that the "short form of Elizabeth" idea came when people wanted to disguise that pagan origin from priests when having babies baptized with the name. But I have no idea if there is any good evidence for that speculation. The poster on this board who might know is Lumia. If she doesn't see this post within the next few days, you might try sending her a private message about it. :)
I have seen the claim that Isabel originally comes from words meaning "beautiful Isis" and so was similar in origin to Isidor. Those who believe that think that the "short form of Elizabeth" idea came when people wanted to disguise that pagan origin from priests when having babies baptized with the name. But I have no idea if there is any good evidence for that speculation. The poster on this board who might know is Lumia. If she doesn't see this post within the next few days, you might try sending her a private message about it. :)
This message was edited 2/6/2008, 5:25 PM
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Isabel and its etymology (updated)
The earlier apparitions of Isabel are related to Iberian Peninsula in 11th century (I don't have the exact date or document for the first one), from where the name spread to Europe (first apparitions in England are from 12th century, for instance). But previously, in 9th century Catalan records, we find very enlightening variants of Elisabet (the Catalan and Spanish form of Elizabeth): Elisabel / Elisavel (B and V sounding the same), Elisaven, Elisabe..., documented at the Repertori d'Antropònims Catalans (RAC). It is from these 9th century form Elisabel / Elisavel that appears Isabel.
It is commonly accepted among onomastics scholars (Tibón, García Gallarín, Faure, e.g.) that Isabel appears as linguistic hypercorrection because it was perceived by speakers as the compound "el Isabel", being el the masculine article and then a nonsense with a feminine name. That is very possible and it would be the same type of naming hypercorrection that the form Isabelle (because Isabel and Isabeau were perceived as masculine ones), for example, or Consuela (instead of Consuelo) or Luzdivina (instead of Ludivina, variant of Liduvina).
But a very plausible possibility has not been yet contemplated, mainly because of the lack of documentation and of Catalan and Occitan languages, two very similar languages and much related, linguistically and historically. In fact, the word Provençal is often used in reference not only to the Provençal dialect but the Medieval Occitan language in general and also to the Medieval Catalan and Occitan and Catalan noble dynasties (and cultures) were strongly related by marriages, alliances and dominions on both sides of the Pyrenees.
The earlier apparitions of Isabel are related to Iberian Peninsula in 11th century (I don't have the exact date or document for the first one), from where the name spread to Europe (first apparitions in England are from 12th century, for instance). But previously, in 9th century Catalan records, we find very enlightening variants of Elisabet (the Catalan and Spanish form of Elizabeth): Elisabel / Elisavel (B and V sounding the same), Elisaven, Elisabe..., documented at the Repertori d'Antropònims Catalans (RAC). It is from these 9th century form Elisabel / Elisavel that appears Isabel.
It is commonly accepted among onomastics scholars (Tibón, García Gallarín, Faure, e.g.) that Isabel appears as linguistic hypercorrection because it was perceived by speakers as the compound "el Isabel", being el the masculine article and then a nonsense with a feminine name. That is very possible and it would be the same type of naming hypercorrection that the form Isabelle (because Isabel and Isabeau were perceived as masculine ones), for example, or Consuela (instead of Consuelo) or Luzdivina (instead of Ludivina, variant of Liduvina).
But a very plausible possibility has not been yet contemplated, mainly because of the lack of documentation and of Catalan and Occitan languages, two very similar languages and much related, linguistically and historically. In fact, the word Provençal is often used in reference not only to the Provençal dialect but the Medieval Occitan language in general and also to the Medieval Catalan and Occitan and Catalan noble dynasties (and cultures) were strongly related by marriages, alliances and dominions on both sides of the Pyrenees.
This message was edited 2/8/2008, 8:25 AM
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