Origin
The name Gabriela is of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Gabri'el, meaning 'God is my strength'. It is the feminine form of Gabriel, which appears in various religious texts, including the Bible. The name has been adapted into many languages and cultures over centuries, including Spanish and Portuguese, where 'Gabriela' is a common variant. In the context of Australia, the name was popularised through European and Latin American influences, especially in multicultural communities.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'God is my strength'. In Australian English contexts, it often connotes resilience and strength, resonating with the cultural value of stoicism and community support. The name embodies spiritual strength and protective qualities, commonly appreciated in Australian society.
Pronunciation
/gæbriˈeːlə/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the second syllable, 'eː') — note the 'a' as in 'cat' and 'eː' as in 'say' in Australian accent.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Gabriel (masculine, original form)
- Gabbie (diminutive)
- Gabriella (Italian variant)
- Gabrielle (French variant)
Nicknames
- Gabby
- Gabi
Name Days
- 24 March (Feast of the Annunciation) - recognised by Catholic communities in Australia
- 12 September (Name of Saint Guido, but less common)
- Optional: Internationally celebrated days, e.g., 1 December (World AIDS Day) — not specific but relevant in multicultural awareness contexts.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with gabriela:
- Emma and Olivia
- Charlotte and Matilda
- Ava and Grace — popular in Australian naming trends
Fun Facts
- Gabriela was among the top 100 baby names for girls born in Australia in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
- The name has gained popularity with Australia's increasing Latin American and Iberian communities.
- In Australian pop culture, individuals named Gabriela have been noted in music and film, reflecting the vibrant multicultural fabric of the country.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name gabriela:
- resilient
- compassionate
- creative
- ambitious
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and flowing, with a balanced and melodic appearance when written, fitting well within Australian contemporary aesthetic preferences for names.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban and multicultural regions such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where diverse communities influence naming conventions but evenly distributed nationwide.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8, associated with power, balance, and material success in numerology, often reflecting strength and resilience in personality interpretations.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, but generally linked with the zodiac signs that are considered strong and grounded, such as Scorpio and Capricorn.
Historical Context
Famous Australians include Gabriela Pearse, an actress prominent in independent films, and multiple public figures in arts and education reflecting the multicultural fabric of contemporary Australia.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, maintaining phonetic integrity in Italian, Spanish, and English. Variants like Gabriella are common in Italian-speaking communities.
Famous People Named gabriela
- Gabriela Pearse (Actress)
- Gabriela Calderon (Artist)
- Gabriela Mistral (Chilean poet, influential poet laureate, admired in Australia for her literary contributions)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2015 | 1 |