'Anabelle' originates from modern English/French usage, specifically from the combination of the name 'Anna' (ultimately from Hebrew 'Hannah') and the French word 'belle', where 'Hannah' meant 'grace' or 'favor' and 'belle' meant 'beautiful'.

'Anabelle' changed from earlier spellings such as 'Annabel' and 'Anabel' used in Middle English and Scots; the elements derive from Latinized and Old French influences (the name 'Anna' and the adjective 'belle'). The form was later popularized in English literature (for example, the poem 'Annabel Lee') and gave rise to the modern spelling 'Anabelle'.

Initially it combined the senses of 'grace/favor' (from 'Anna/Hannah') and 'beauty' (from 'belle'); over time it remained a female given name preserving that combined sense of 'graceful, favored beauty'.