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Baby names

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

Original poster

Isabella? Honest thoughts please!

56 replies

DoveGreylove · 12/03/2019 15:24

Hello!

Our current favourite girls name is Isabella. What do people think when they hear this name? Is it too common? Would you think, "oh here comes another Isabella"?

If you hate it or think it's far too common, what names would you suggest instead? We are rather stuck here...

Thanks!

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bumblenbean · 15/03/2019 10:40

I love it and considered it for DD but the popularity did put me off - there’s even one in my little village! But as PP say names are popular for a reason. It’s pretty hard to find a lovely name which hardly anyone else has thought of!

Ohyesiam · 15/03/2019 10:28

I think it’s very beautiful (though I prefer Isabel) it is popular but that’s because it’s so gorgeous.

daisypond · 15/03/2019 10:25

It’s pretty and I do like it but I think the trend now is heading into simpler names, so I think Isabel is nicer. Isabella is perhaps already a little dated. The ones I know are in their early 20s or late teens.

foxtiger · 15/03/2019 08:53

I like rather than dislike it but I prefer Isabel. I also prefer Izzy over Bella/Belle as a short form, although nobody has to use a short form at all. I've known people with names as long as Isabella that are never shortened.

YouBumder · 13/03/2019 22:41

It’s ok but it’s popularity (along with Isabel/Isabelle etc) would put me off.

123Flopsy · 13/03/2019 22:40

Way too popular. Will probably start to sound dated soon.

lostlalaloopsy · 13/03/2019 22:24

It's very pretty.

SallyWD · 13/03/2019 14:27

Isabella is a lovely name. I don't know any at all and I work in a school.

AuntieStella · 13/03/2019 07:28

It's a beautiful, classic name.

There were loads around, born about 2005/08, but there have been larger 'spikes' for Sophie (and close variant) Evie (ditto), and more enduring ones for Olivia and Ellie names.

Yes, if you name your DD this, she may well come across people (especially those 7-14 years older than her) with the same name. But several in every class - rarely happens, but currently rather more likely to be girls with one of the names I mentioned above.

LegoPiecesEverywhere · 13/03/2019 07:08

I like it but I know so many. From your second list I like Mila

CloserIAm2Fine · 12/03/2019 23:21

It’s a really lovely name, it’s so popular for a reason

But I know more than I can count! I’ve been a Brownie leader for 6 years and have never not had at least two Isabella/Isabelle/Isabel

Trinnidad · 12/03/2019 23:16

It is a lovely name but very common now. Have you considered the Scottish variants, Isobel or Ishbel? Ishbel is especially great if you don't want to shorten it as it doesn't really need shortening!

costacoffeecup · 12/03/2019 21:28

I love Emma.

costacoffeecup · 12/03/2019 21:27

Far too common. No point in a beautiful name if the whole class is called the same name.

MollyHuaCha · 12/03/2019 20:58

Isabella is a beautiful name.

DramaAlpaca · 12/03/2019 20:40

I think it's gorgeous & it's a shame it's so popular.

Zogsyoungersister · 12/03/2019 20:22

Honestly, I meet so many Isabelles and Isabellas I always wonder why their parents had so little imagination. I know it's harsh. It is a pretty name but it's just soooooo common.

Ivy
Mila
Sofia
Emma

All really lovely names and a million miles better.

RainbowWaffles · 12/03/2019 20:21

I love Isabelle but didn’t even contemplate using it due to its popularity. It’s a shame, but it really has been done to death. I like Ivy from your list. Sofia also overdone. Emma is nice, but prefer Iva. Mila, I am indifferent to.

GinUnicorn · 12/03/2019 20:18

Absolutely love it - I was tempted for my dd but there are just so many now I decided against.

I also loved Mia, Mila and Amara if you like any of those.

If you go for Isabella though it is really beautiful. Flowers

123Flopsy · 12/03/2019 20:14

True, we are affected by our own experiences. I have a very popular 70s name and wish I'd been given a more interesting name.

Saffrona · 12/03/2019 19:55

123Flopsy but I agree with you that this may mean the name will date...they will just have to wait for them to be a grandparent so their names will be trendy again!

Saffrona · 12/03/2019 19:54

123Flopsy I see your point, but I have such a unique name that growing up I longed to have a “normal name”. I wished to see my name on a key ring or have a name that is recognisable. I made sure I gave my child a popular name for that reason.

In my days Sarah/Sara was the most popular name, and I’ve never met a Sarah/Sara that didn’t like their name.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 12/03/2019 18:48

It’s one of my favourite girls names. I think it’s beautiful, yes it’s popular, but for a good reason.

Frustratedfrenchie · 12/03/2019 18:30

I have an Isabelle. She has never been called izzy, she is always Belle. She was the only one in her school in UK and now we have moved to France there are zero Isabelle's here in school, they are all 40+ as its an older name! Mind you, there are lots of Paulines and Marions so it just shows how different the names are in France!

Btw I love it Wink

123Flopsy · 12/03/2019 18:25

I love love Isabella. Who cares about popularity?

Your daughter may! Isabella is so so so overused that she may need to add her initials to it and the name may soon start to sound dated!

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