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Baby names

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

Original poster

Isobel or Isabel?

54 replies

getawiggleon · 06/02/2010 22:20

How would you spell it? And any nicknames other than Izzy?

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flybynight · 18/02/2010 19:01

Isobel over Isabel or Isabelle I'd say. I had an Aunt who was know as Iso, and I loved her!

lljkk · 18/02/2010 18:54

NNs = Did-A-Smell, Busy-Bell, Would-'a-Fell (we are full of 'em in this household).

Seriously, I find Isabel much prettier looking and Izzy as NN quite 'cool' sounding (I am an ignorant furrener, mind).

Does anyone remember on The Archers when Ruth turned up her nose at the name of Pip's new friend 'Izzy'? Gill had to talk Ruth into the idea that NN of Izzy wasn't necessarily a sign of super-low-class socially deprived and degenerate family background.

I find it hilarious that anyone can be so specifically prejudiced against such an extremely popular NN. Do people conclude the same sorts of things about 'Bob' or 'Mick' or 'Kath'?

crumpette · 18/02/2010 18:49

oops sorry OP just saw she is already here! It's a pretty name however you spell it

crumpette · 18/02/2010 18:45

Isabel

I'm going against the grain a bit but I think it's prettier with an 'a'.

However I do speak Spanish and so I tend to prefer names that are spelled correctly from my pov! BUT I think Isabel is more internationally recognisable as it's the base of all international variations. Isobel, although nice, looks like you're trying to be different, and Isobel Lang is an irritating weather presenter from sky news

houseworkhater · 17/02/2010 12:24

Isobel-beautiful name btw.

Agree about always having to spell her name though. Why oh why can't people remember the correct spelling of someone's name once they are told?
I have several friends called Clair, and the various spellings of it. Once I actually know which spelling is theirs I make a point of remembering it. Sorry to highjack thread!

millingtonsmummy · 15/02/2010 14:37

Isobel. On our shortlist for girl's name, DH's nan's name.

mumtoo3 · 15/02/2010 14:04

Isabelle - our dd2 is izzie or iz or belle

SaintCherylofCole · 10/02/2010 13:09

I know of a few months old Izabel

MrsTicklemouse · 10/02/2010 01:25

Isabelle but out of those two Isobel, it looks different, Isabel looks unfinished imo

DandyLioness · 10/02/2010 01:16

This reply has been deleted

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Stinkermink · 09/02/2010 20:01

Reading back on this thread I understand totally that people don't like the nn Izzy. Even though we do it sometimes although normally go with Izza...It does make my hackels rise a bit when I introduce her as Isobel and people automatically shorten it. I think DH prefers the spelling as it is not to feminine (which sounds silly out loud) but Isabelle is a bit frilly.

Ziggurat · 08/02/2010 09:53

Yes, I always have to spell it out, but it is second nature now. I have a McSurname (not at all unusual), but also have to spell that out, too. Even my married name which is Irish and not unusual in the slightest has about 4 different spellings, so it is clearly my path in life to spell out my name.

I have had South Americans and Europeans try to pronounce it eye-so-bel. Hilarious.

Lionstar · 07/02/2010 22:11

I prefer Isabel, but both are lovely. I know one who's nickname is Whizz - which seems pretty cool on a young teen.

Original poster
getawiggleon · 07/02/2010 22:05

Thanks for all the replies. I have to confess that DD is already with us and has been Isobel for almost a year. I've just been having a wobble of late and wondering if the Isabel spelling would've been better.
(I think you can still change birth certifcate up until first birthday without problems)

My main reasons were that the 'a' spelling would poss travel better(esp Europe, S America etc) and also that people instinctively spell it with an 'a' (and from experience then end up scribbling over it trying to make an 'o' when you correct them! I also thought that it looked prettier written down - although I was relieved to see that many disagree!

I guess she'll probably spend her life spelling it out to people anyway. I think that the main problem has been that I thought she was a boy for 9 months and so stupidly (when she arrived early) didn't even have a shortlist for girls and I've been beating myself up about that for the past eleven months! How could I have been pregnant for so long and not even have had a name or two!? Damn those silly hormones!

Ah well, this thread has made me feel better and more certain that I made the right choice so thank you all. I just hope she's inherited DH's decision making skills and not mine!

OP posts:
Stinkermink · 07/02/2010 21:05

As for nick names we say Izza or Izza Whizz. Not what you were lookind for probably!

Stinkermink · 07/02/2010 21:03

I have an Isobel I picked it for the celtic connection. To me it's softer and just a bit more different. However, if you want to pick up a cup or a name plate in woolies or equivalent you won't be able to. Doesn't bother us though!

onadietcokebreak · 07/02/2010 20:56

Isabel.

honda123 · 07/02/2010 20:53

Oh and I was the only one growing up and now it is so popular! Really irritates my parents and me!

honda123 · 07/02/2010 20:51

My name is Isabel, my mother chose that spelling as she thought it would be easier for me when I was learning to write it. Family call me Ish or Ishy.

BINAH · 07/02/2010 10:03

In portuguese and spanish it is spelled Isabel - "Izz-a-Bell" but both are lovely.

IncontinentiaBotox · 07/02/2010 09:55

I prefer Isabel

Ziggurat · 07/02/2010 09:52

Gosh, this thread is such an eye-opener - I had no idea that the general populous so much preferred Isobel!

When I was given the name in 1973, apparently the obituaries promptly filled up with Isobels and my parents really worried that they'd given me a deeply unfashionable old-lady name (I'm named after my grandmother). Just goes to show how the wheels of fashion turn...

bellissima · 07/02/2010 09:48

Another vote for Isobel. Definitely classier.

izzybiz · 07/02/2010 09:29

*Prettier!

izzybiz · 07/02/2010 09:28

I have an Isabelle, I thought it looked preetier written down than the other spellings, she is known as Izzy by all our family, Dh and I call her Bella. She also gets called Iz, Biz/Bizzy, hence my MN name!

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