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Baby names

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

Original poster

Isobel/Isabel

31 replies

Viviennemary · 04/05/2023 13:07

What is the more usual spelling of this name. Anybody got an Isobel/Isabel.

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Fifthtimelucky · 05/05/2023 08:44

I like both Isobel and Isabel, with a slight preference for the former. Im surprised that Isabel is seen as the more standard version (except in Scotland). I'm English and the only Isobels I have ever known spell it that way.

I'm not keen on Isabelle.

I pronounce all of them the same, with an "uh" sound for the middle syllable.

Elspethelf · 05/05/2023 06:18

Isobel is my favorite way to spell it, but I think Isabel is more common

Teenagekicksmyass · 05/05/2023 04:49

I have an Isobel, conceived in Scotland so we chose the Scottish spelling!

nicetoseetgesunsout · 05/05/2023 04:39

I have two friends with Isabelles. They are 22 and 25. One is known as Izzy and the other is Bella. Neither wanted to be called Isobel. Both spelt Isabelle. I think they got fed up with people saying 'Is a bell really necessary on a bike'

RunThroughTheJungle · 05/05/2023 03:00

My father is Scottish so we went with Isobel, she's a adult now though. It has served her well and she's always liked her name, never shortened.

user1492757084 · 05/05/2023 02:01

Both lovely names.
Isabel I would use, unless you wish to honour family or Scottish roots.
Isabelle is also sweet.

Isabella I have always heard as too prissy.

PickledScrump · 04/05/2023 22:56

@Luredbyapomegranate I would disagree. They are said as they are written. One is an “a” one is an “o”, subtle difference yes, but different all the same.

Daffodilwoman · 04/05/2023 22:24

I prefer Isobel. It’s an old family name and that’s the only reason I prefer that spelling. Beautiful name.

Verigio · 04/05/2023 22:11

I have always loved this name, would go with Isobel over Isabel as my brain just goes ‘is a bell’ which is so stupid 😂

LightDrizzle · 04/05/2023 22:10

Isobel!

Luredbyapomegranate · 04/05/2023 22:09

PickledScrump · 04/05/2023 20:01

I have an Isabelle. She’s in secondary school now but in her year there is an Isabel, Isobel and an Izzy. I would say Isobel differently from Isabelle/Isabel

It’s said the same

Luredbyapomegranate · 04/05/2023 22:08

Isabel is the standard, unless you are in Scotland

Original poster
Viviennemary · 04/05/2023 21:04

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this name. All the versions are lovely.

OP posts:
PickledScrump · 04/05/2023 20:01

I have an Isabelle. She’s in secondary school now but in her year there is an Isabel, Isobel and an Izzy. I would say Isobel differently from Isabelle/Isabel

Theoldwoman · 04/05/2023 18:13

I’m an Isobel. Love this spelling.

Christmascracker0 · 04/05/2023 18:08

Isabel is a family name in my family and I’m scottish. I have to say I love all spellings of it though 😊

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 04/05/2023 18:03

Isabel 100%

ourflagmeansdeath · 04/05/2023 18:01

I prefer Isabel over Isobel as it just seems to make more sense pronunciation wise. It also looks nicer imo. It's a beautiful name either way.

ThePaperTrail · 04/05/2023 18:00

We used the Scottish form, Isobel, to honour Scottish roots. However, my preferred spelling is Isabel.

Isabelle seems a bit fussy.

RaraRachael · 04/05/2023 14:20

grievinggirlneedsadvice · 04/05/2023 13:10

I feel Isobel is more popular in Scotland and Isabel/Isabelle in England.

Yes I agree although where I live it's pronounced Izzibill which doesn't sound nice at all

NotAnotherBathBomb · 04/05/2023 14:01

Isobel is prettier to me

jasminesunflower · 04/05/2023 13:51

At the moment, in England and Wales:

  1. Isabelle #33
  2. Isabel #133
  3. Isobel #160

Highest ranking ever:

  1. Isabelle #17 (2008-2012)
  2. Isabel #50 (2008)
  3. Isobel #50 (2003)

Isabelle is the most popular spelling by far now and was the only spelling to ever make the top 20 in England and Wales.

People here tend to claim it "too French" which is ridiculous to me, because it's the most popular spelling here as well and Isabel isn't English in origin either, neither is Isobel, which is Scottish.

I would pick Isabelle and between the two you like: Isabel.

In Scotland it's a bit different, for 2022:

  1. Isobel (27 births)
  2. Isabelle (17 births)
  3. Isabel (11 births)

but the difference between them is so small that it doesn't really matter.

Keep in mind that outside of English-speaking countries the pronunciation of Isobel would differ from those of Isabel/Isabelle.

swimymummy · 04/05/2023 13:26

I have an Isobel, she’s beautiful 😍

DuchessOfSausage · 04/05/2023 13:25

According to Darkgreener, the most popular is Isabelle by far, then Isabel, but the figures do not include Scotland. Isabella is even more popular.

PollyAmour · 04/05/2023 13:24

Isabel is a lovely name. I have a friend called Isabel and she goes by the name of Belle, which really suits her because she is beautiful.