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Baby names

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

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Annabel?

55 replies

Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 08:59

Annabel, Annabelle or Annabella? Seems to have dropped out of the top 100 in the UK and I’m quite surprised because I’d have thought it was seen as quite similar to Isabel, Isabelle and Isabella?

Do you think it’s maybe a bit dated?

Has to go with a three syllable surname.

Thanks wise mumsnetters!

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Scrambledeggz · 14/08/2022 12:24

Definitely Annabel. Annabelle is too frilly and try hard for my liking, to me looks like someone trying to be unique

FayCarew · 14/08/2022 12:23

If you add the different spellings it will appear to be more popular. Annabelle is too frilly and Annabella is awful

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Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 12:22

@Hobbesmanc oh no! Well I’m very much not a fan of any of those other names you just mentioned.

I dread to think of your opinion on Julian!

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Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 12:21

I’m thinking Annabel now, especially as I definitely would not want it to be shortened to Elle or Ellie…that’s unlikely right?! So don’t want to create a focus on the elle ending.

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Hobbesmanc · 14/08/2022 12:18

I think it's one of those posh pony club names that are never in or out of fashion. Like Camilla, Henrietta or Miranda. If that's the look you're after then it's probs a good pick.

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Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 12:08

@Luluuuuuuuuuu85 interesting. I’ve just checked at the school I teach at and we have 7 Annabels/Annabelles out of a total of 1300 so not overly popular but also not rare. Conversely, we’ve got the same number of Graces, which is another name I like but DH is dead against because that’s what his mum’s cat is called.

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Luredbyapomegranate · 14/08/2022 12:06

It seems to be getting a bit more popular where I am, but not mega

Annabel with a 3 syllable surname

The extra letters are too fussy, and Annabella will be v long w your surname

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Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 11:59

@17caterpillars1mouse yeah: I like Annie too! First name I’ve thought of where I like the possible nn too.

@rainbowandglitter haven’t seen it 🤷‍♀️

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Luluuuuuuuuuu85 · 14/08/2022 11:59

I have an Annabelle, the name has dropped in terms of popularity since I had her, may be related to the film (though it's never really been on my radar apart from the fact it's my daughter's name!). We've met several around, in her year at school, in other schools and in other places. Definitely meet more Isobels (and the other spellings/ versions) around though!

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Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 11:58

@TheOGCCL yeah; not something I’d encourage. My hope is that if there was going to be a diminutive used, it would be Annie, which I really don’t mind.

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WhatIsThisPlease · 14/08/2022 11:56

I prefer Annabel. It's a really pretty name but I think the other spelling is a bit fussy for me.

17caterpillars1mouse · 14/08/2022 11:51

I think it's a lovely name, and no not dated. I really like Annabel and Annabella. I dislike the Annabelle spelling though for some reason. I am the same with Isobel, love Isobel, Isabel but can't stand Isabelle spelling.

I think Annie is a cute shortening too

LittleBearPad · 14/08/2022 11:40

Annabel is less flouncy - I’d go for that one

pinklavenders · 14/08/2022 11:39

It will constantly get misspelled - Anabell, Annabel, Annabell etc

rainbowandglitter · 14/08/2022 11:18

I instantly thought of the horror films!

EmmaStone · 14/08/2022 11:17

Annabel. Traditional spelling is lovely.

Billylilly · 14/08/2022 11:15

Annabelle is one of those perfect names. Not common but known, pretty but still carries through nicely to adulthood. Also, goes very nicely with Julian.

TheOGCCL · 14/08/2022 10:55

Likely to be shortened to Anna even if you and your daughter don't want it to be.and without anyone asking.

I think it's quite a timeless name. The horror franchise will die away.

pinklavenders · 14/08/2022 10:53

Annabel is much nicer!

Annabelle looks unnecessarily frilly and has the emphasis on -elle.

DotDotDotDotDot · 14/08/2022 10:51

Have you Googled Annabelle doll or horror movie. Sorry to be negative but they might have something to do with it falling out of fashion? Of the 2 though I’d prefer the Annabel spelling.

user1477391263 · 14/08/2022 10:13

I think it's one of those names that's been known without being hugely popular for ages. I don't think it's dated at all.

Prefer Annabel, definitely. Annabelle is just a bit too much.

chatterbug22 · 14/08/2022 10:10

@Cockerwalk I love it. The original spelling is nicest IMO. You’re right, it’s not very popular anymore - it has the definite benefit of being well known though. Goes with Julian nicely too!

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Cockerwalk · 14/08/2022 09:59

You’ve all made me very excited that I might have found my name! It needs to go with Julian (older DS).

I think it goes nicely?

I’m not at all bothered about popularity of the name but I am surprised it isn’t more popular. I wonder why.

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BuffaloCauliflower · 14/08/2022 09:41

I prefer Annabel, Annabelle seems unnecessarily flouncy and put on. It’s a lovely name.

RishiRich · 14/08/2022 09:38

I like the Annabel spelling. Be prepared to have to spell it out every time though.