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Original poster

Clara or Isla?

31 replies

Jeeep · 07/04/2026 20:48

Struggling to name baby girl due in three weeks - so far I quite like Clara, Isla, Alba, Etta? Thoughts/suggestions? Doesn’t have to end in an A!

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Meecrowavay · 10/04/2026 23:53

Isla is really really popular where I stay. There’s so many of them! Lovely name but the others you’ve mentioned aren’t seen as much.

Saynototheinevitable · 10/04/2026 23:40

I love all your names especially Clara but I'd ditch Isla as it's too popular. Iona would be an alternative choice to Isla as there's hundreds of them around atm.

SwingsAndRoundabouts22 · 10/04/2026 22:58

My daughter was nearly an Isla but glad she wasn't...so many of them round here! Also love Iris and Ailsa

SunnyOrca · 10/04/2026 21:38

I love all four names but Clara is my favourite as timelessly beautiful name. I also love, Lyra, Lana, Alice, Willa, Lucia, Lola, Stella

curlyfriess · 10/04/2026 20:02

I love Clara, also a pp's suggestion of Iona.

combatewok · 10/04/2026 19:59

Etta and Clara are lovely!

17caterpillars1mouse · 10/04/2026 19:58

I like Clara and Alba. Less keen on Etta though Ettie is a cute shortening. Isla's are everywhere, very much oh not another Isla

usedtobeaylis · 10/04/2026 19:20

Clara is lovely, I prefer that out of the ones you mentioned.

What about Iona?

Calliopespa · 10/04/2026 19:14

ChocolateCinderToffee · 07/04/2026 21:12

Clara is one of my favourites. It's the name of the girl in the Nutcracker ballet.

This is my main association too. I rather like it - although it does seem to be being used a lot lately.

I also like Etta, but, as a pp suggested, I'd have it as a nn for Violetta or Henrietta.

I don't think Isla or Alba are really all that pretty and Alba makes me think of Elba where Napoleon was exiled...

thornbury · 10/04/2026 05:36

If you like Clara, read Klara and the Sun! Not fond of Alba or Etta...Etta sounds like the rest is missing.

muddyford · 10/04/2026 05:28

Ailsa?

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 10/04/2026 05:26

I really don’t like Clara.
Isla and Alba are both nice and I really like Etta but would probably use a longer name with Etta for short.

Firebird83 · 09/04/2026 20:38

Alma?

user1492757084 · 09/04/2026 01:45

Clara is my fave.

Others ..

Clare
Eliza
Arrietta
Mietta
Hariette
Julia
Lila
Camilla
Iris

Foxytights · 08/04/2026 22:21

Clara is the best one.

bogginbluesticks · 08/04/2026 19:26

Every second girl born where I live seems to be called Isla, the rest are Ava.
Exaggerated obviously but Isla is so common around here.
Clara is lovely. I don't like Etta or Alba.

HandfulOfMoths · 08/04/2026 11:47

Edie
Jess
Kirsty
Martha
Maggie

Giraffehaver · 07/04/2026 22:42

I love Etta. It's more surprising than the others. I also think Nina fits your style

HollyGolightly4 · 07/04/2026 22:34

@lemoncurdcupcake my husband was also surprised! I do think it's a lovely name, and in teaching, I've only ever met fantastic Isla's! (Image may take a while to clear)

Clara or Isla?
Needspaceforlego · 07/04/2026 22:26

From your list I don't like Etta, incomplete and too close to etc.

I don't like Alba as a name, I know its also a Spanish name but its Gaelic for Scotland so gets used for lots of businesses Skips, Landscapers, TV & Radio channels

For some reason Erin (Ireland) seems more of a name than Alba.

What about Ciara?
Hannah?

LostTheGoodScissors · 07/04/2026 22:18

Etta for me. I like Isla but it’s very popular. Not a fan of Clara or Alba.

Cocktailsandcheese · 07/04/2026 22:06

I love Isla and don't know any, but I know of a few Claras.

Dalmationday · 07/04/2026 21:29

Lara
Jemima
Freya
Tessa
Bonnie

MaybeItWasMe · 07/04/2026 21:26

Clara is beautiful

MarxistMags · 07/04/2026 21:18

Iona : Skye: Ellie : Ailsa

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