Mumsnet Talk

Our short list for girls has changed a few times but it's currently between Elodie, Isobel and Leila. I just wondered what you think of these names and which (if any) is your favourite. Thanks!

Optional secondary question - any ideas for one-syllable middle names that would go well with these (other than Rose and Grace).

I would avoid Isobel personally. Pretty name but Isobel / Isabella etc very very popular ATM. The last three baby girls I know are all called Isabella (two first names, one middle name).
I would go for Elodie.
What about

Elodie Anne
Elodie Jane
Elodie Kate
Elodie Eve / Eva
Elodie May

I like Isobel best, then Leila. Dislike Elodie a great deal, but I know it's popular.
Jane and Anne have a quiet style of their own - and would make a change from Rose and Grace. Jean is due a comeback, too.

My preference is Elodie, then Isobel, then Leila.

One syllable middle names:

Kate, Kay, Niamh/Neve, May/Mae, Maeve, Clare/Claire, Elle, Nell, Belle, Liv.

Isobel or Leila, not sure about Elodie. Jane is always a good middle name, I think it works quite well with Leila too.

Elodie is lovely.
Not keen on Isobel or Leila.

Oh, and I think Elodie Pearl would be beautiful!

Elodie is my favourite, don't know any in rl. Isobel is very popular, know loads. Leila I'm never sure how to say or spell, lots of variations as with Isobel really.

Middle names: May, June, Ann, Jane, Jean, Kate, Joan, Maud. Depends on your surname and what flows I think!

Elodie.
(This or Eloise would be the first choice for our DD but unfortunately won't go with the surname.)

I love Leila but prefer spelt Layla. For a middle name....
Jo
Jane
Louise
Sarah
Belle
Jean
Anna
Ramona
Wren
Naomi
Francesca
Uma
Audrey

I'm not quite sure how you pronounce Elodie. Is the 'o' long or short?

I like Isobel, but personally would be put off by its popularity. I know quite a lot of little Isobel/Isabelle/Isobella's

Hope as a second name?

The 3 names you give are all lovely. I only knew one Elodie 10 years' ago but it seems to be gaining in popularity. Isabella is pretty widespread, Isobel much less so. Leila is the most unusual in my area.

Elodie Claire?

Love Isobel. Don't like Leila.

Isobel Joy
Isobel Faye
Isobel Claire
Isobel Maeve

My name is one of those on your list.

My middle name is Jeanne.

Elodie with Joan or Anne

I have an Isobel Edith. Haven't met any other Isobels at nursery/playgroups etc, though I have met Isabella's. Isobel is by far the least common spelling. Personally it was the only name we both absolutely loved, and that mattered more than popularity - especially since there are hundreds of girls names and a long list of very popular names, so you're unlikely to be bombarded by children with any one name. Also since Isobel is a versatile name and she can be Izzy, Ibby, or Belle if she chooses, we thought she'd have options. And as you can see, we went for a slightly less popular middle name.

So obviously Isobel is my favourite! But I like your other choices. My BF from school is called Leila but she pronounces it Lee-la rather than Lay-la. Which would you be going for? (There's a Leila in the 50 Shades of Grey books, btw, just in case that bothers you!)

One syllable names are trickier. How about

Isobel Beth
Isobel Eve
Isobel Joy
Isobel Anne
Isobel Dawn
Isobel Ruth

Elodie - classic and sophisticated

Leila - bit rough and very popular

Isobel - very popular and I know many

Don't know any girls named Elodie or Leila. Nursery was overrun with Isabelle/Isobel/Isabella variations.

Thanks for all your replies - some great suggestions.

PurpleStorm - I would pronounce Elodie so that it rhymes with 'Melody'.

takethatlady - I would pronounce Leila as Layla but like both. Good point about 50 Shades, I didn't know that!

Elodie is lovely.

I like Leila very much, but it is quite popular, if that matters?

Isobel is everywhere. Not keen at all.

Mine is Isobel Daisy, so I am also biased!

And agree that the Isobel spelling is a) far superior and b) much less common.

I love Elodie. I think Elodie Anne is beautiful.

Elodie is gorgeous.