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Baby names

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

Original poster

Are Elspeth and Isobel too similar?

31 replies

EarnestDullard · 28/08/2012 13:34

DD1 is Isobel, and I quite like Elspeth for DD2. They're both versions of Elizabeth/Elisabeth though. And would Izzy and Elsie sound too similar? WDYT?

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Clockless · 30/08/2012 20:55

Mind you they might change their ideas once they are eenagersGrin

pjani · 30/08/2012 20:54

I don't think they are, and they are both very sweet.

Clockless · 30/08/2012 20:54

Not all sisters guard their individuality that much. My dd1 wishes she had dd2's name, and my dd2 wishes she had dd1's middle name. They say they would be quite happy to have the same name as each other....

MistyB · 30/08/2012 18:32

You could always just shout Isopeth or Elsobel when they are older if you want either or both of them to come......

CharlieCoCo · 30/08/2012 18:26

I know someone who has 2 children called Imogen and Isabelle, Izzy and Immy for nn. the nn sounds similar but i think they are fine together. yours are too.

NurseBernard · 30/08/2012 11:03

I'm an Isobel, and you'd be amazed at the number of people who mishear it as Elizabeth. Happens A Lot.

So, I'd say too similar, especially given all the other lovely names out there to choose from.

Original poster
EarnestDullard · 30/08/2012 10:39

Eithne is on our list too Horatia :)

OP posts:
HoratiaWinwood · 30/08/2012 10:24

I wouldn't because I am a names and etymology geek.

Ailsa? Ailith? Eithne?

Just trying to think of names with a similar feel as possible alternatives.

Yika · 30/08/2012 10:19

My cousin gave her daughter two totally different sounding but same meaning names as first and middle names. I thought that was nice.

Original poster
EarnestDullard · 30/08/2012 09:31

Dunno Trills, that's what I'm trying to establish/decide. I like the way they sound together, I'm just not sure if it's weird that they're both derived from the same name.

I've also realised that DH's middle name is the English version of his (Scottish) first name. So maybe it's not a problem and I'm just overthinking it!

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 29/08/2012 23:49

I don't think they sound very similar at all. I like both of them. I don't think it matters that much if they're both derivatives of Elizabeth. I would never have thought Isobel came from Elizabeth. You always learn something on Mumsnet!

mathanxiety · 29/08/2012 23:46

Izzy and Elsie are too close imo.

Trills · 29/08/2012 22:21

I don't think they look or sound very similar, so does it matter if they are originally from the same place?

Cleo123 · 29/08/2012 22:18

Oops...looks like they are and just read the other posts as well as the OP...Doh!

Cleo123 · 29/08/2012 22:17

I have a feeling they are both derivatives of the same name Elizabeth but would need to google this to check!
someone else might know?

vamosbebe · 28/08/2012 20:51

Isobel is Elizabeth in Spanish. I don't think they're too close together, it's not like you're christening one child Lizzie and one child Beth, for example!!
Elspeth is gorgeous Smile sounds lovely tripping off the tongue.

Yika · 28/08/2012 20:47

I think it would be nice to give two sisters very different names but with the same derivation. My mum is elspeth - I've never met another! Never heard the name shortened, and I find the full name much nicer than Elsie.

NoComet · 28/08/2012 19:02

Shame because they work very well together.

NoComet · 28/08/2012 19:01

I think they would google the meanings of their names and be a bitConfused

Sisters, even twin sisters fiercely guard their individuality.

newby2 · 28/08/2012 18:57

LOVE them both. Good choices.

roundynotsquary · 28/08/2012 18:52

I didn't know and I'm hugely clever Wink

0lympia · 28/08/2012 18:45

They aren't that alike but everybody knwos they're both versions of elizabeth so for that reason, i really wouldn't.

schplappo · 28/08/2012 18:40

Elspeth was on our list for DD - it's a lovely name. You could always use Elsa as the short version so it sounds less like Izzy.

Original poster
EarnestDullard · 28/08/2012 14:32

Interesting to hear opinions, thanks. Still unsure, although we're not going to make a final decision until the baby is born anyway.

OP posts:
RationalBrain · 28/08/2012 14:19

Mmmm, I don't know, I think they are quite similar. I have an Isobel, and I actually called her Elizabeth by mistake once. I know it seems completely different, but when you say it quickly and are half asleep then the similarity is more apparent.

But... if you like it, then I also don't see why not!

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