Are Elspeth and Isobel too similar?

[EarnestDullard]

DD1 is Isobel, and I quite like Elspeth for DD2. They're both versions of Elizabeth/Elisabeth though. And would Izzy and Elsie sound too similar? WDYT?

I think they sound and look totally different

Agree with wildpoppy, don't think they sound similar at all. Also didn't know that Isobel was derived from Elizabeth! :)

I wouldn't have known either had my MIL not had one of those framed 'name meaning' things that someone gave her. They do look and sound very different, it's just the origin thing really.

Too similar I think, with both having the same derivation.

I don't think they are too similar, I think they sound lovely together.

They are lovely and don't sound similar. Yet, they sort of go together. Lovely names.

Mmmm, I don't know, I think they are quite similar. I have an Isobel, and I actually called her Elizabeth by mistake once. I know it seems completely different, but when you say it quickly and are half asleep then the similarity is more apparent.

But... if you like it, then I also don't see why not!

Interesting to hear opinions, thanks. Still unsure, although we're not going to make a final decision until the baby is born anyway.

Elspeth was on our list for DD - it's a lovely name. You could always use Elsa as the short version so it sounds less like Izzy.

They aren't that alike but everybody knwos they're both versions of elizabeth so for that reason, i really wouldn't.

I didn't know and I'm hugely clever

LOVE them both. Good choices.

I think they would google the meanings of their names and be a bit

Sisters, even twin sisters fiercely guard their individuality.

Shame because they work very well together.

I think it would be nice to give two sisters very different names but with the same derivation. My mum is elspeth - I've never met another! Never heard the name shortened, and I find the full name much nicer than Elsie.

Isobel is Elizabeth in Spanish. I don't think they're too close together, it's not like you're christening one child Lizzie and one child Beth, for example!!
Elspeth is gorgeous sounds lovely tripping off the tongue.

I have a feeling they are both derivatives of the same name Elizabeth but would need to google this to check!
someone else might know?

Oops...looks like they are and just read the other posts as well as the OP...Doh!

I don't think they look or sound very similar, so does it matter if they are originally from the same place?

Izzy and Elsie are too close imo.

I don't think they sound very similar at all. I like both of them. I don't think it matters that much if they're both derivatives of Elizabeth. I would never have thought Isobel came from Elizabeth. You always learn something on Mumsnet!

Dunno Trills, that's what I'm trying to establish/decide. I like the way they sound together, I'm just not sure if it's weird that they're both derived from the same name.

I've also realised that DH's middle name is the English version of his (Scottish) first name. So maybe it's not a problem and I'm just overthinking it!

My cousin gave her daughter two totally different sounding but same meaning names as first and middle names. I thought that was nice.

I wouldn't because I am a names and etymology geek.

Ailsa? Ailith? Eithne?

Just trying to think of names with a similar feel as possible alternatives.

Eithne is on our list too Horatia :)