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Baby names

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

Original poster

Isabella/Bella and Twilight!

39 replies

NotATwilightFan · 03/04/2010 15:00

I really want to name my DD Bella. Well Isabella, Bella for short. It's a family name - grandmother called it.

However, everyone keeps telling me about the Twilight films/books, although I'm now aware this is the main character's name....

How many baby Bellas do you know? Is it popular in your experience? Would you let it put you off? It was number one in Australia last year!

I know I can't pick a name that is entirely original, however, I don't pick one that really defines an era. For instance Sues are nearly always in their 50s, Kelly's 70's children and so on... WWYD?

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providentielle · 03/04/2010 15:31

I don't know any Bella's through work or privately. Know 2 who have it as a middle name. I live in central Scotland

I think it's lovely and I'm a twilight fan who wouldn't think you had named your daughter after the books. Think it probably will increase in popularity due to the books and films though-another one is due out at end of June with another, possibly two to follow.

When she is older though she may read them herself and love that she shares the name with the character.

Wanderingsheep · 03/04/2010 15:26

I don't know any Isabellas although my DD is Isabel. Don't know of any others, although that may change when she gets to school.

People often comment on what a lovely name she has.

I wouldn't assume that you were a Twilight fan fwiw.

Original poster
NotATwilightFan · 03/04/2010 15:25

dizzydixies - Thanks for that - I am aware that if I already had a DD called it I'd feel the need to defend it too.
And you're right, of course, I would regret not using it, and I cannot find another name I like as much. Better to use a beautiful and loved popular name than second best!

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dizzydixies · 03/04/2010 15:23

NotATwilight - please see above apology re rant however I get annoyed at people not using a name they LOVE due to worry that it might be popular

this is YOUR baby, you are entitled to call it what you wish for whatever reason and the reason the name has family ties for you only makes it more special in my eyes

our Isabella is Ella. Named after my beloved great Aunt (who was known as Isa), was my mother's middle name, my aunt is Isobel and it is my cousins middle name - she loves the fact that all these people share in her name somehow and at the ripe old age of almost 7yrs has decided she would like to be known as Issy

the only other one I know is 3yrs old and is known as Issy not Ella or Bella

if you love it, use it or you'll regret it otherwise as no other name will have the same meaning - having named 3 dds I've found it very hard to find another name I've loved as much

DebiNewberry · 03/04/2010 15:19

Imo it is a very very popular name, there are a lot at school and identified by surname eg Isabella K, Isabella C and so on. But, it is a very pretty name, equally so for a small child or adult. I wouldn't worry about Twilight, will be over soon.

Original poster
NotATwilightFan · 03/04/2010 15:18

dizzydixies - Sorry to bore you! However I'm not constantly on these boards and know every discussion about every baby name there is.

I agree it is beautiful and timeless - it's classic. I hardly think that using it constitutes as 'different'. I have an unusual name, I particular wouldn't want to lump my daughter with one. However I wouldn't want an extremely common one either. Just preference.

In your experience you only know one other Isabella - that's nice to know. I think I'm more worried that someone will think I'm some vampire nut (sorry to any twilight fans)

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dizzydixies · 03/04/2010 15:18

sorry Fimbow - I just feel like I should be copying and pasting it at the minute

I have a huge dislike for people jumping on the 'its too popular bandwagon' I mean ffs there are as many people in London as there are in the whole of fecking Scotland so its unlikely to be the same all over the UK!!!

Fimbow · 03/04/2010 15:14

Oh and I think it is more popular in England than Scotland.

Fimbow · 03/04/2010 15:13

Sorry Dizzy

dizzydixies · 03/04/2010 15:10

oh ffs here we go again

it MAY be popular in some parts however DD1 is Isabella and we only know of one other who is YEARS younger than her

we used it as we have a lot of family connections to it, it is a beautiful name, has a lovely meaning and is TIMELESS

if you're that worried about itbeing popular don't use it but please use a name you love rather than trying to hard to be 'different' for the sake of it

Bucharest · 03/04/2010 15:07

Hmm. Tough one lol. I suppose not, as long as I could distance myself from the Twilight rubbish. The popularity of the name in itself wouldn't stop me. Vampires might.

Fimbow · 03/04/2010 15:05

Every 2nd child I know seems to be Isobella/Isabella/Isobel/Isabel with the nn either Izzy or Bella. It is tedious. But just my opinion. If you like it, ignore what anyone else says or thinks.

Original poster
NotATwilightFan · 03/04/2010 15:05

Would you let that change your mind if you'd been set on a name for a girl for years?

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Bucharest · 03/04/2010 15:02

It is hugely popular, even without the yawnsome and tediously crap films and books.

I know a fair few under 5s. I'd say it's definitely in the top 10.

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