So just how popular IS Isabelle?

[PointyDogs]

We are expecting DD1 in a few weeks, and both of us really like the name Isabelle (I even named my cat Isabelle about 14 years ago, it isn't a new thing!). I know it is in the top rank of names, but checking through numbers for 2010, looking at 3 different spellings (Isabelle, Isabella, Isabel), it comes in at just under 1% of girls being given that name. That doesn't sound like that many - not considering when I was at school there were SO many Claires, Sharons, Marys, Helens etc. Only 1 in a 100 at primary school - may well only be another 1 or 2 depending on school size. We had initially not considered the name because of the popularity, but keep coming back to it.

So those of you who have regular contact with young children or new babies (we don't at the moment) - are there really that many Isabelle/Izzy/Bellas etc out there? We live in the South East if that makes any difference.

If you use this site it will tell you where it comes in your area and might give you a better idea: www.bounty.com/baby-names/regional-names

Two in DS's class (Isobel and Isabel) and I have two friends with little Isabellas.

DD's nursery is full of them . There are two Isabellas, two Isabelles and an Isobel, and an Annabelle and Annabel.

It is a lovely name, but yes, it is very, very popular.

p.s. Rebecca is lovely and so underused in this generation

Love Aoife

I have a teenage Isobel, and we didn't know any when we named her. There are two more in her year group, I think.

To be honest, I think it's such a pretty name that I'm still glad we went with it, although I had pondered Ishbel, which I think is gorgeous and obviously less popular too (dp didn't like it though).

ooh, thanks for the link fandango - according to that, Isabella comes in 18th round here, Isabelle 26th, Isobel 48th, and Isabel 68th, so not sounding like it is massively over used in this area. I prefer the Isabel spelling too, although DH likes Isabelle - not really had that discussion yet :)

I know quite a few Isabelle's, with various spellings. If you like it though, go for it.

I know no Isabel, Isabella's, isobel's and only 1 ishbel. I teach across 24 primary schools!!

I know two little Isabelles and an Isabella

I know several little Isabelles/Isabellas.

With that regional data, what's the cumulative popularity of all those different versions? Because in the end, the issue of popularity will be because you need to differentiate Isabelle Bloggs and Isobel Smith in the same class, the different spellings make no difference to usage most of the time.

FWIW Amongst my peer group (all started sprogging about 3 years ago) I know 5 variants on Isabel Grace alone! Let alone all the Isabel something-elses! It's a shame as I just love the name and would have used it myself if it hadn't suddenly become so popular.

That regional data site has just confirmed that DD's nickname isn't even in the top 100 for our area, despite being one of MN's designated most common popular names. Even 2 other popular variants barely scrape the top 50.

The problem with the popularity issue is that I am now googling unpopular names for DC2, and at this rate the poor kid is going to be lumbered with Mavis or Dirk I know having a popular name isn't a big deal (especially as our surname is so unusual) but for some reason I've become wary of accidentally choosing another top 10 name. I had one and it never bothered me!

Terribly popular I know 11, 4 year old Isabella's. It's the joke around here, if in doubt shout Isabella! We are in South East London, there is every variation of the name at DD's preschool, Issy, Izzy, Belle, Bella.

I'm in the south east and know at least 6 Isobel or nicknames if it, all under 5

I know of 6 under the age of 5 with various spellings. Very very very popular, and only going to get worse with The Twilight Saga.

I know an Isabelle, Izabel, and and 2 Isabella's. It is really popular in South East where we live but it is beautiful.

I have a 10yo Isabel. Named after DH's gran.
There's only one (with variant spelling) in each year group at her school that I know of, Lauren & Jasmine are more duplicated.
But it is THE name of her generation, it will be the Sarah/Julie/Jackie of the future.