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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Can I use Elizabeth if I already have an Isabella?

35 replies

BeattieBow · 08/03/2012 13:56

I really wanted to call dd2 Elizabeth, but couldn't because my BIL called his dd Elizabeth (dh's brother so they have the same surname as us). so I ended up using Isabella instead.

In the end BIL and his wife got divorced, they live in a different country to us (and we NEVER see them) and they always call their daughter Libby. I still like Elizabeth (Eliza for short I think), but know that Isabella is the spanish form of Elizabeth. Would it be too much using the 2 names for 2 sisters? - there are 9 years in between the 2 of them if that's relevant.

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Alligatorpie · 08/03/2012 15:28

I wouldn't. They are too similar for me.

hugeheadofhair · 08/03/2012 15:26

Elizabeth could be Ellie or Beth, or indeed Eliza, doesn't have to be Lizzy.

Psammead · 08/03/2012 15:21

They are not the same name. They are two versions of one name with their own history and culture. I think it's fine. If it bothers you now though, it will only get worse.

Original poster
BeattieBow · 08/03/2012 14:32

My Isabella is also known as Izzy so the family would avoid calling the new baby Lizzy. (although I love it!) - hence Eliza or actually using the full name.

My concern is just that they are the same name really and I wonder if it is a bit ridiculous for 2 sisters to have the same name.

OP posts:
Stellan · 08/03/2012 14:04

My concern with Elizabeth and Isabella is that while you (hopefully) wouldn't nickname one Lizzy and the other Izzy, their friends might and it could get a little confusing/cutesy. I say this as someone with a relative named Alexandra - which is what our family call her; her friends and nearly everyone else who meets her call her Alex, even if she introduces herself as Alexandra. It's hard to stop some nicknames like Izzy for Isabella and Lizzy for Elizabeth.

scurryfunge · 08/03/2012 14:03

It would be a little odd to give them what is essentially the same name.

JasperJohns · 08/03/2012 14:01

My friend has a Lizzie and an Izzy! (And also a Lily)

GavisonandOn · 08/03/2012 14:00

Not a major problem, I wouldnt think. Not Lizzie and Izzy, though Grin.

CecilyP · 08/03/2012 13:59

They do have a fairly similar sound but, if you like them, I don't see why not.

Stellan · 08/03/2012 13:58

You're not going to call them Lizzy and Izzy, are you?