The Meaning of the Name Belle
Belle is a French name meaning “beautiful” or “lovely”. It is derived from the Latin word bellus, which means “beautiful”. The name has been popular in France since the Middle Ages and was used as a nickname for beautiful women. In English-speaking countries, it has become increasingly popular since the 19th century.
History of the Name Belle
Belle first appeared in France during the Middle Ages as a nickname for beautiful women. It was often used to describe someone who was attractive, graceful, and kind. The name became more popular in England during the 19th century when it was adopted by writers such as William Makepeace Thackeray and Charles Dickens. It was also used by American author Mark Twain in his novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
In recent years, Belle has become an increasingly popular name in English-speaking countries. It is currently ranked among the top 100 names for girls in both the United States and Canada. In addition, it is also popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland.
Popular Variations of the Name Belle
There are several variations of the name Belle that are commonly used around the world. These include Bell, Bella, Belinda, Bellina, Belicia, Belita, and Bellona. Some people may also choose to spell the name with two Ls (i.e., Bellle).
Famous People Named Belle
There have been many famous people throughout history who have borne the name Belle. These include:
- Belle Starr (1848–1889), an American outlaw
- Belle Boyd (1844–1900), a Confederate spy during the American Civil War
- Belle da Costa Greene (1883–1950), an American librarian and art collector
- Belle Gunness (1859–1908), an American serial killer
- Belle Knox (born 1995), an American adult film actress