Mirabel is a female name derived from the Latin mirabilis, meaning "wondrous" or "of wondrous beauty". It is a variant of Mirabelle, which originated from the Old French word mirable ("wonderful"). During the Middle Ages, Mirabel was used for both males and females, but today it is almost exclusively given to girls. The name fell out of use after the medieval period but saw a brief revival in the 19th century.EtymologyThe root of Mirabel is the Latin mirabilis ("wonderful", "amazing"), which also gave rise to words like "mirage" and "miracle". Old French mirable carried the same sense, and Mirabelle was coined from it in the Middle Ages. Mirabel shares this etymology, much like its Italian counterpart Mirabella and Spanish equivalent Maravillas. A related diminutive is the English name Marvel, which directly reflects the meaning of "wonder".Notable BearersAlthough Mirabel is not a common name now, it has a rich history. Mirabel Osler (1925–2016) was an English writer and garden designer known for her memoirs and nature writings. Mirabelle Thovex (born 1991) is a French snowboarder who competed internationally. The name’s medieval male usage is exemplified by Mirabell, the male protagonist in William Congreve's 1700 play The Way of the World.Fictional CharactersMirabel appears in literature and film. Mirabelle Buttersfield, played by Claire Danes, is the lead in the 2005 film Shopgirl. Mirabel Cotton is a character in Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1909 novel Anne of Avonlea. The name also surfaces in anime (Mirabelle Haywood from Ojamajo Doremi) and family children's media (Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies).Variants and UsageRelated forms include the Italian Mirabella and the French Mirabelle. In Spanish culture, Maravillas carries the same meaning but is more common in regions with Catholic Marian devotion, as "Maravillas" invokes the Virgin's wonders. The name peaked in popularity among English speakers in the 19th century revival but remains a rare, old-fashioned choice today.Meaning: "Wondrous" or "of wondrous beauty"Origin: Latin root mirabilis via Old FrenchType: Medieval, primarily femaleAssociated regions: English, French, Italian, Spanish