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Original poster

Which spelling?

90 replies

SquareSweetsThatLookRound · 05/06/2026 06:35

We are going to use Isabelle as a middle name but not married to any particular spelling yet. Which one do people like the most? Does it also depend on the first name?
Isobel
Isabelle
Isabel
Isabell

Thank you everyone!

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DramaAlpaca · 05/06/2026 16:08

Isabel is my preferred spelling.

TallulahBetty · 05/06/2026 16:05

Isabel/le.

Isobel is awful - I hate the 'sob' in the middle.

Stoicandhappy · 05/06/2026 16:04

Isabel

JuneAlready · 05/06/2026 15:58

Isabelle

i prefer it & you used it in your text.

to ME Isobel looks and sounds like a chemical isabel looks incomplete & Isabell
us just 'Is A bell'.

Nottogetapenny · 05/06/2026 15:50

My granddaughter is a Isobel, called after her great grandma who was born in Scotland.
I may be biased but I definitely thing it’s the best spelling. Traditional and simple!

Civilsociety · 05/06/2026 15:44

Isabel is the standard traditional spelling, Isobel in Scotland.

Isabelle always looks ridiculous and somewhat uneducated to me, unless you are French. It’s also not pronounced the same way.

Don’t even go there with Isabell.

FruAashild · 05/06/2026 15:38

Iseabail is the Gaelic version, or you could go with the easier to pronounce Scottish option Ishbel (think this is my favourite).

LoudPlumDog · 05/06/2026 14:31

Mines spelt Isobel, it’s one thing my Mum got right.

Rigout · 05/06/2026 13:30

Isobel or Isabel.

I’ve never seen Isabell without an e or a added on the end.

SnowFrogJelly · 05/06/2026 13:26

Isobel

Excellentsausages · 05/06/2026 13:24

Historically Isabel has been the most popular version in England (Isobel in Scotland).

Isabelle is the French version which has become very popular in the last 15 years or so all over the UK. I find the extra 'le' superfluous unless you are pronouncing it the French way, in which case the letters have a purpose.

Isabel is my favourite.

FruAashild · 05/06/2026 12:40

Isobel No1 as the Scottish/British way
Isabel if you have native Spanish speakers in the family
Isabelle if you have native French speakers in the family
Isabell if you have people who can't spell in the family

DontReplyAll · 05/06/2026 12:35

I prefer Isobel but really use the one you and your DH like best.

hardliquormixedwithabitofintellect · 05/06/2026 12:34

I like Isobel

Twoshoesnewshoes · 05/06/2026 12:32

We have an Isobel
and very much an Izz- Oh-bell not Izz-uh-bell
so there can be some subtle difference in pronunciation

SquigglePigs · 05/06/2026 12:27

Isobel or Isabelle are both good. Not keen on the other ones.

CarriMarie · 05/06/2026 12:26

Isabel

user1492757084 · 05/06/2026 12:16

For a second name..
Isabel or Isabelle. They are the spellings people will most expect. Or Isabella.
Isobel is sweet for a Scottish connection.

Isabell is a spelling error.

EightySix47 · 05/06/2026 11:56

Personally I would go for Isabelle

NamingNoNames · 05/06/2026 11:22

@ILoveRichardOsman , there was a phase of Claudia being very popular.

I think some users would suggest Rose or James as a middle name for any first name including Rose and James.

ILoveRichardOsman · 05/06/2026 10:56

I'm sure it always used to usually be Isabel then something changed a few years back and now lots of them are Isobel. Mumsnet seems to love Isobel.

I still prefer Isabel.

The extra 'lle' is a bit to frilly for me.

A beautiful name however you spell it.

NamingNoNames · 05/06/2026 10:51

Not RTFT.

Isobel - strangely popular on MN. I think it's a bit stern-sounding and frumpy
Isabelle - a bit too frilly
Isabel - best spelling
Isabell - looks like a typo

I'd pick a different name.

Seaitoverthere · 05/06/2026 10:33

I prefer Isabel

MovedlikeHarlowinMonteCarlo · 05/06/2026 10:26

I like Isabelle.

xOlive · 05/06/2026 10:26

Isabelle.
The rest feel… wrong?

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