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Original poster

To name my daughter Isobel?

228 replies

rosepetalsoup · 20/02/2015 10:13

Ok, I have done some soul searching and realised that I have got out of touch with what names I actually like through trying to find one that's 'different'. If I am honest one of my favourite names has always been Isobel.

I understand that it is very popular, but just wanted to ask those of you with children in the 0-7 category how many you actually meet through school and so on.

Thanks.

OP posts:
windchime · 20/02/2015 20:13

Isobel is a lovely name. Go for it.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/02/2015 20:15

It is a lovely name. Who cares if it is popular?

EdSheeran · 20/02/2015 20:22

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/baby_names

Makemeanappledumpling · 20/02/2015 20:25

I personally love that name and I don't know anyone or haven't met anyone with that name!

My DS is four and there aren't any in his class.

Lovely name op! :)

AuditAngel · 20/02/2015 20:27

DD1 is 7 (8 next month) she has 2 Isabella's in her class. One called Isabel and one Bella.

DD1 is Gabriela (Spanish spelling, not a typo) and we call her Ela (often Ela Bella Gabriela). I also don't like Gabby as an abbreviation and correct anyone who calls her that.

AuditAngel · 20/02/2015 20:28

Oh, and my cousin is Isobel (over 40) and my niece is Isabella

honestlies · 20/02/2015 20:31

avoid Ishbel. its not original its shite..... and people (well, people like me) will look at you lik Hmm

weaselwords · 20/02/2015 20:32

I always thought I'd have a daughter called Isobel, after an old friend who died young. I have two boys instead. Huh.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/02/2015 20:33

Ishbel is lovely.

justmyview · 20/02/2015 20:33

Ishbel is a lovely Scottish name

CarbeDiem · 20/02/2015 21:00

How about spelling it Izabel/Izobel/Izabelle?

seaoflove · 20/02/2015 22:59

Noooo, not a Z!

Besides, using a creative spelling doesn't make the name different. It still sounds the same.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/02/2015 23:00

Gods no to a Z. Looks ridiculous.

stealthsquiggle · 20/02/2015 23:07

Isobel is the proper Scottish spelling.

My DD's year has two Isabella's (one known as Bella) and there are a few others scattered through the school, but nowhere near as many as there are Emily's (and no Evie's at all).

I wouldn't worry about it, OP. My DS has the #1 most popular name in his birth year and yet has never had another boy with the same name in his class, ever. It's far from being the end of the world, anyway. I was one of 5 girls with the same name in a class of 28 and I can't say it ever really bothered me.

TheCatAteMyTaxReturn · 20/02/2015 23:15

Isobel, however spelt, is a lovely name, IMO.

I know an Isabel, and she's four and gorgeous. Isobel will be just as good.

Do it!

1944girl · 20/02/2015 23:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Darkforcesatwork · 20/02/2015 23:55

I know of one Isabeau! She is now approaching 13. It might not have been such an odd name but for her parents being incredibly strange! how about that?!

TeaFor6 · 20/02/2015 23:58

So what if its popular? And I mean that in a nice way.

We gave my DD2 an unusual name (which some people sneered at), 5 years or so later there was an 'explosion' of the name. There is no-one else in the same class with the name but we no a few lots of others with the same name.

Nice names will be nice forever, and for everyone. And Isobel is lovely Smile please don't spell it with a Z

withaspongeandarustyspanner · 21/02/2015 00:33

I liked Isobel but thought there would be loads at school. There isn't a single one. I know one or two, but of varying ages - definitely not loads of them.

Go for it if you love it. It's a lovely name.

CarbeDiem · 21/02/2015 07:17

It doesn't look ridiculous spelled with a Z - It's just how other countries spell it, different to the UK way.

It's the name and spelling I will use, if I finally get pregnant and obviously if I have a girl :)

Whatever way you spell it OP, it's a lovely name.

InQuiteAPickle · 21/02/2015 07:28

I know one 7 year old Isabel. She follows me around, talking all day, getting on my nerves. Grin

Other than that I don't know any. I think that there are a couple of Isabellas at school.

MrsMook · 21/02/2015 07:36

Ds1 has a long term popular name that was in the top 10 when he was born. He has yet to meet a peer of the same name which surprises me. Ds2 has the name out of the top 100 and has a namesake at nursery.

If you like a name, go for it. Don't worry about popularity as it's difficultto predict. I favour established spellings as I've met too many irate teenagers who are enraged at having their name said or spelt wrongly yet again. Worst is the illogical spelling / pronunciation combination.

ohlittlepea · 21/02/2015 07:48

I know lots of baby Isabelles and Isobels. There is 2/3 in every group we go to (dd is one we live in the south). It is a beautiful name though and I used it for my daughters middle name.
Similar less popular names include Anabel or Annabelle, Danielle (very underused and very pretty!) Auriel. There is also Isadora but unfortunately the Wizadora link is a bit close! Or you could use something like Katie or Lucy and have Isobel as a middlle name.

BloodyStupidTest · 21/02/2015 07:52

I'm a primary teacher in SE, I think we have three in our school (of 150) so not millions. It is a lovely name.

For the love of all that is good and holy, do not spell it with a 'z' to try and be different. It will be an irritation to her and everyone who has to write her name for the fullness of time and it will be JUDGED, I promise you. (Cites: Aimee)

Chips1999 · 21/02/2015 07:55

I know one Isabella known as Izzy aged 1. I much prefer the spelling Isobel, it's cleaner and simpler to me. If you like the name use it Smile