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Baby names

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

Original poster

Bullied for being called Isabelle

70 replies

Worrier13 · 09/04/2019 10:12

Please bear with me as this is a bit long winded!
I recently had a beautiful baby girl who is a delight but I was rushed into choosing a name and decided on Isabelle.
I know everyone says it but I honestly didn't know how popular it was until we had decided on it. As it is number 24 I thought others would be more popular and I find it's everywhere!!
However I could live with that if I loved the name which I don't. Every time I hear it I think of is a bell and worry myself sick that she is going to get teased so badly at school and I've already failed her as a mum. I think about this constantly.
I'm looking for reassurance that she won't be bullied or if your child has because of this name how you dealt with it so I can prepare myself.

OP posts:
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Original poster
Worrier13 · 11/04/2019 11:35

If I were to keep it (as there isn't 1 alturnative) would I grow to love it or should I love it instantly?

OP posts:
NewSchoolNewName · 11/04/2019 11:25

I think the fact that Isabelle (and variations of Isabelle) are so popular, means that it’ll be too normal a name to attract any attention from bullies.

NataliaOsipova · 11/04/2019 11:18

Isabelle is a nice name. And a perfectly “normal” sort of name. The sort of name nobody would think to pass negative comment on. I know several and have never heard anyone make a pejorative remark. Please don’t worry.

Bumblebeesmum · 11/04/2019 11:13

Bullies target children who are different & the name Isabelle couldn’t be further from that - bullies are a scary concept for parents but if it happens it’ll be awful but not because of her name

INeedNewShoes · 10/04/2019 22:20

I was at school with a Clytie. Now I'm wondering if her full name was Clytemenestra!

She was really cool (in a nice way) and as far as I know not mocked for her name.

GreenTulips · 10/04/2019 22:14

Clytemnestra. Clytie for short

I am fairly sure you would be bullied for that

I’m fairly sure she’d be fine Grin

Bullied for being called Isabelle
hotstepper4 · 10/04/2019 20:58

My dsd is called Isabelle. Everyone calls her Izzy, I call her Izzy Bee 😂 she's never been teased and she's nearly 11.

Oakmaiden · 10/04/2019 20:56

What names do you think will attract bullies, because clearly we need a top 10 to avoid?

Clytemnestra. Clytie for short.

I am fairly sure you would be bullied for that. My mu insists that it is so unusual nobody would be able to find something to bully about it.

She is such an innocent, my mum.

NutMeghan · 10/04/2019 20:52

Think of the worst that would happen. Even if the teasing scenario was to happen it would be very mild. She would be able to laugh it off or roll her eyes and ignore.

Congratulations on your little one and don't give it another thought.Flowers

MrsBertBibby · 10/04/2019 19:43

If you do come up with a name you prefer, you can change her birth certificate before her first birthday.

Is the dad on the BC, or just you?

MissPollyHadADolly19 · 10/04/2019 19:39

DD is an Isabelle and has never been bullied for her name, there are alot of Isabelles in her school and previous nursery too. Don't overthink it too much OP x

Hollowvictory · 10/04/2019 19:29

But if you really don't like it then change it

Hollowvictory · 10/04/2019 19:29

Schools are full of Isabelles it's a very common name and highly unlikely to be a reason for bullying

LIVIA999 · 10/04/2019 19:25

My mum changed my name as she went off it when I was a few weeks old. I don't think anyone noticed and I certainly don't care. The name I was originally given I'm not that keen on so I'd say do it if you aren't happy.
Saying that I think Isabelle is gorgeous. I love all the abbreviations, Izzy, belle, Bella,
Could you call her one of those?

ohhi · 10/04/2019 19:10

I love the name Isabelle and 'is a bell' doesn't even come to mind. It's a perfectly normal (and pretty) name.

PCohle · 10/04/2019 18:25

Isabelle is a lovely, totally normal name. It also has lots of nickname options if you DD doesn't like it in the future.

This may totally not apply to you, and obviously worrying you've made the right name choice is completely normal but feeling very anxious can be a symptom of PND. Please see your GP if you are struggling.

pipsqueakthethird · 10/04/2019 18:16

If you don't have another name then stick with Isabelle. You could try out a few shortenings to see which one you think she suits best Thanks

Eustasiavye · 10/04/2019 17:30

Isabelle is a lovely name.
I think it's popularity would make it unlikely for your dd to be bullied for her name.
Don't worry op.
I think it's natural for new parents to be anxious.

UnusualBluePenguin · 10/04/2019 16:57

It's a nice name and I think it being so popular make less of a target for jokes or comments. But if you personally don't love it and have thought of a name you do love then it would be ok to change.

Minglemangle · 10/04/2019 16:57

A name in itself does not attract bullies and Isabelle is ubiquitous these days. Very much the Claire/Sarah of the early 2000s.

Original poster
Worrier13 · 10/04/2019 16:56

Thank you everyone.
You have really helped! I have been having anxieties about a number of things and this is one of them. I really wanted to change it but I had several opportunities and I couldn't think of anything else when she was here. I didn't like any name at all. I still don't know what option I should take?

OP posts:
pipsqueakthethird · 10/04/2019 16:52

I think the pps have made clear that she won't be bullied for her name.

However if you don't like it, consider changing it. It is very very popular and if you aren't keen surely you will just start to get annoyed by how many other kids are called it.

Have you spoken to your partner, family about it? Who rushed you in the first place? Do you have another name you'd change to or is it just a feeling of unease with no clear alternative?

lottiegarbanzo · 10/04/2019 13:14

Isabelle is beautiful.

She may become Issy, Belle or Bella, or she may not.

I think the fact the name is reasonably popular mitigates against people picking on the 'Is a bell' pun. Isabelle just sounds too normal to most people for anyone to find that funny.

The 'Furchester Hotel' muppet programme on CBeebies does have a character who is a bell, called 'Is a bell' and it's just cute and affectionate.

So many names can be made silly if you really try. Most people don't want to try, or would only do it affectionately. People who do want to be hurtful will always find something.

Bellana · 10/04/2019 11:08

Absolutely normal name and beautiful. No worry she will never be bullied for it

lisamac28 · 10/04/2019 09:45

I went to school with an Isabelle, she was never ever bullied because of her name.