Gabriella is a feminine given name used in English, Hungarian, Italian, and Swedish. It is the feminine form of Gabriel, which originates from the Hebrew name Gaḇriʾel (גַּבְרִיאֵל), meaning "God is my strong man" or "hero of God." The name is derived from the Hebrew elements gever (meaning "strong man, hero") and ʾel (meaning "God"). Gabriel is a prominent archangel in Abrahamic traditions, serving as a messenger of God. In the Hebrew Bible, Gabriel interprets visions for the prophet Daniel; in the New Testament, he announces the births of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Jesus to Mary. In Islam, Gabriel (Jibril) is revered as the angel who dictated the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Gabriella is widely used across various cultures. Its English spelling is directly borrowed from Italian, where it is a common feminine form of Gabriele. The name has been occasionally used in England since the 12th century, but it only became popular in the English-speaking world toward the end of the 20th century. In Hungary, Gabriella is also a popular name, often shortened to Gabi or Ella. In Italian, it coexists with the masculine Gabriele. Many notable individuals bear the name Gabriella, including Gabriella Cilmi (born 1991), an Australian-Italian singer; Gabriella Cristiani (born 1950), an Italian film editor who won an Academy Award; and Gabriella Brum (born 1960), a German model who won Miss World in 1980. Variants of the name include Gabriela (Spanish, Portuguese), Gabrielle (French), and Gabriëlle (Dutch). Diminutives commonly used in English are Bree, Bria, Brie, Briella, and Gabby. Cultural Significance The name Gabriella carries strong religious connotations due to its connection with the archangel Gabriel. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all venerate Gabriel as a divine messenger, making the name popular among families of these faiths. In addition, the name's melodic quality and international appeal have contributed to its widespread use in many countries beyond its Italian origin. Notable Bearers Gabriella Cilmi (born 1991) – Australian-Italian singer known for the hit "Sweet About Me" Gabriella Cristiani (born 1950) – Italian film editor who won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for The Last Emperor Gabriella Brum (born 1960) – German model and Miss World 1980 Key Facts Meaning: "God is my strong man" (feminine form of Gabriel) Origin: Hebrew, via Italian Type: Feminine given name Usage regions: English, Hungarian, Italian, Swedish; also popular in Spanish and French forms