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Baby names

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

Original poster

Isabel or Isabelle

88 replies

toadstool32 · 29/08/2021 21:30

If you heard the name what would your first thought be on spelling? (Really don't like isobel spelling).

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Ninhurt · 02/09/2021 08:35

What’s all this bizarre ‘more letters = less class’ snobbery?

For the truly aspirational, shall we just start naming our children as a letter ala the Bond films.

‘Oh you have a Quentin? Horrible flowery name, too many letters. You should have just gone for Q.’

I win the thread. My dc is called ‘B’. Beat that!

Undertheoldlindentree · 02/09/2021 00:50

So many of them in schools now. Of course whatever spelling you choose, the sound is broadly the same, so they end up as Izzy B or Izzy M, Bella P or Bella K etc.

Along with Olivia, Evie Ruby, there are two or three isobel/Isabels/Isabelle's in most secondary classes, sports teams, dance classes, orchestras etc. Lovely name, but you will hear it absolutely everywhere as well as at home.

ItsNotMeAnymore · 02/09/2021 00:39

Just spell it how you want it just doesn’t matter. Chose the name you like and don’t give it a second thought.

I have a very french name which is difficult to spell and pronounce and I’m English. I get asked about my name all the time. It’s pretty and frilly and I LOVE it. ( it’s not Isabelle or anything similar! )

ItsNotMeAnymore · 02/09/2021 00:35

@daisypond

Spelling it Isabelle when you’re English, and pronouncing the name the English way, makes you look a bit uneducated to me - as if adding extra letters makes it prettier or posher, when it really makes it fussier and more downmarket. It’s the name equivalent of putting big bows on a baby’s head. Isobel is fine too.
Oh my! You sound lovely 😅
Pemba · 02/09/2021 00:30

Isabel is simpler and more classy than Isabelle IMO. It's traditionally the English spelling (also the Spanish).

20 or 30 years ago that was the normal spelling in the UK, Isabelle being French. I find it a bit frilly. Much like Annabelle and Juliette, Annabel and Juliet are classier.

I also like Isobel.

EyesAsGreenAsAFreshPickledToad · 31/08/2021 00:51

Isobel

TartanJumper · 31/08/2021 00:47

I prefer Isobel.
Isabelle is pronounced ever so slightly differently to my ears, though, so I would count Isobel/Isabelle as two different but similar names.
I've not seen anyone spell it Isabel, though.

Babydust13 · 30/08/2021 23:22

Isabelle

manhattenrain · 30/08/2021 19:40

Isabel

TableSetting · 30/08/2021 17:23

I think that solves your dilemma - choose Isabelle and Belle. All options are lovely.

adrianmolesmole · 30/08/2021 17:05

Isabelle. It's pretty but not at all frilly actually.

Isabel is drab, and Isobel a quite ugly spelling IMO.

AwFeebs · 30/08/2021 16:25

Mines Isabelle so I'm bias. Wink

MrsLargeEmbodied · 30/08/2021 16:23

isobel or isabelle, preferably the latter

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 30/08/2021 16:12

Much prefer Isabel - it the original/oldest and the most classic looking to me. Isabelle is okay if you are French/French heritage, similarly Isobel is lovely if you have Scottish links but otherwise I think it's nicest to go with the original personally.

ladygindiva · 30/08/2021 16:10

If you like Belle I would go for Isabelle x

MazyT1978 · 30/08/2021 16:05

My friend has got an Izabelle, I've never known anyone else spell it that way

Original poster
toadstool32 · 30/08/2021 16:00

@TableSetting we actually like Belle as a shortening otherwise Issy.

OP posts:
TableSetting · 30/08/2021 15:23

Also decide which shortened version you like …
Izzy
Iz
Issy
and use it before others use the one that you don’t like and it sticks.

Original poster
toadstool32 · 30/08/2021 13:52

I love love the sound of the name but I just can't decide on spelling. Anyway got months to get it sorted. Thank you all.

OP posts:
ladygindiva · 30/08/2021 13:22

Actually just read previous comment and Izabel spelling was by Polish friend, so understandable if that's how it's spelt there.

ladygindiva · 30/08/2021 13:21

@Sudename

I have an Isabel and invariably she will get birthday cards with Isobel, Isabelle and even Isabella on them!
Yup and we've had Izabel too
Honeyglowx · 30/08/2021 12:55

*isabel

Honeyglowx · 30/08/2021 12:55

I think Isabelle is better than Isobel or Isabel but that’s just my opinion ,my daughter is called Isabelle and I just love the spellingGrin

VanillaAndOrange · 30/08/2021 12:27

Isabel.

Isabelle (unless you're French) looks a bit fussy and frilly to me and invites the short form Belle, which I dislike a lot. And Isobel looks like it ought to be pronounced like isobar!

patchoulicloud · 30/08/2021 11:59

Isobel.

I really don't like belle on the end. Too frilly and princessy.