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Baby names

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

Original poster

Isabelle or Isabella?

30 replies

D2018 · 16/09/2018 23:55

I'm not pregnant but was talking to OH about baby names and we like both Isabelle and Isabella. I know they are both common names but if you had to pick which one do you prefer and why?

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Ozgirl01 · 25/09/2018 14:04

Isabelle. I prefer it spelled Isabel or Isobel, though.

Daisygirl1991 · 25/09/2018 11:30

Isobel

KERALA1 · 24/09/2018 20:41

Too widely used. Over use has entirely spoiled all the Isobel /Isabella type names imo

Glumglowworm · 24/09/2018 19:37

Isabella or Isobel, I don’t like the Isabelle spelling (although thousands obviously do!)

starkid · 24/09/2018 16:57

I prefer Isobel :)

Pemba · 24/09/2018 16:24

For Isabelle I prefer the spelling Isabel, which I believe is the original (Spanish) spelling and in no way 'weird'! Smile It's simple, clear and straightforward, Isabelle seems rather too frilly. I also like Isobel. I like Isabella and Isabel equally, so to me the best option is to name her Isabella, then you can always use Isabel as a short version if you want. You can't really do it the other way around.

RoomWithALoon · 24/09/2018 15:32

It depends on your surname. How does that final syllable fit with what follows?

LuluJakey1 · 24/09/2018 13:51

Isabel or Isabella.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 24/09/2018 13:27

Isobel.

LittleMissedTheSunshine · 24/09/2018 12:44

Isabella has too many syllables for me and takes too long to say.

So I'd go for Isabel. Or Isobel. Or Isn'tabel.

Bachstelze · 23/09/2018 22:01

Isabelle because I'm French, but even in French it's somewhat dated. Not too keen on Isabella, though for no particular reason. -bel is just weird.

Pancakepoop · 23/09/2018 20:56

I find Isabelle old fashioned but love Isabella, it’s much fresher imo.

Mitzimaybe · 17/09/2018 17:03

Isobel or Isabella but not Isabelle.

Littlelilylily · 17/09/2018 17:01

Isabel/Isobel

JellyTeapot · 17/09/2018 16:58

Isobel, much less flouncy.

GrimSqueaker · 17/09/2018 16:46

DD2 has Isabelle as a middle name - spelling intentionally chosen as it's named after my grandmother. Glad we didn't go for it as a first name though as there are like 5 variations on Isobel/Isabelle/Isabella in DD1's class alone!

Holidayshopping · 17/09/2018 16:42

I love the name but just wouldn’t choose it because she will forever be correcting it. There are so many girls with this name around (understandably, as it’s lovely!) but all spellings are valid so loads of scope for mistakes!

I would choose Isobel though if I had to.

Sunflower321 · 17/09/2018 16:41

In other words:

Isabel= ISAbel

Isabelle= IsaBELLE

Depends where you want the emphasis

abos · 17/09/2018 16:39

I prefer Isabelle to Isabella, I personally feel it just sounds better with 3 syllables rather than 4:)

Sunflower321 · 17/09/2018 16:36

Isabel or Isabella.

Isabelle is French and emphasises the last syllable, belle. I'd only use that version if I was French

But all forms are way overused imo, and will probably start to sound dated soon.

NataliaOsipova · 17/09/2018 16:18

I say Isabel as well.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 17/09/2018 16:16

Isabella. Yes it's a bit more frilly than Isobel but it's beautiful imo.

StrugglingMumma · 17/09/2018 11:31

I have an Isabella. Unfortunately it is very popular now

daisypond · 17/09/2018 11:29

Isobel or Isabel. Then Isabella. Isabelle only if you're French.

Ginandplatonic · 17/09/2018 11:03

Isobel. It's the only spelling I like.

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