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Baby names

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

Original poster

Annabel or Clara?

52 replies

Redpramlady · 14/02/2018 08:28

Like both!

Clara I think is beautiful, works all through the ages.

Annabel I think is lovely, but not sure it works so well on an adult. Anyone know any?

Sibling is Elodie

Or any more suggestions?

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NewYearNiki · 15/02/2018 00:09

I love Annabel.

Lots of nn potential. Anna. Bella. Etc

Rainbowsandflowers78 · 15/02/2018 00:10

I love Clarabel

Rainbowsandflowers78 · 15/02/2018 00:17

Ps people don’t stop using Annie just because it’s Thomas carriage name as well! Or Henry, or James, or Thomas, or Edward... for that matter!

alotalotalot · 15/02/2018 00:18

Both are a bit pretentious

NewYearNiki · 15/02/2018 00:38

Both are a bit pretentious

I wonder what your basis for comparison is?

Those names are old classic names.

Original poster
Redpramlady · 15/02/2018 07:29

Just to add... I'm thinking of it as clar rah
Rather than claira
I'm fully aware the later is the traditional pronounciation but the harder more European way makes more sense to me

OP posts:
Original poster
Redpramlady · 15/02/2018 07:29

Would you think of it as claira??

OP posts:
MollyHuaCha · 15/02/2018 07:36

I've always known the name as Clara to rhyme with car-a.

But Americans will pronounce it differently.

fearfultrill · 15/02/2018 09:16

I always thought it rhymed with Cara but then I met one and she was pronounced Claira, and I couldn't get used to it Blush it seems wrong somehow!

pipilangstrumpf · 15/02/2018 10:19

Clara rhymes with Cara! There is no e!

Clare rhymes with care!

BlackberryandNettle · 19/02/2018 18:48

Both nice, I like Annabel best

Kpo58 · 19/02/2018 20:35

Annabel

Clara is like fingernails down a blackboard in my mind (I have a strong dislike to any names that starts with Clar).

Mrsknackered · 19/02/2018 22:39

Clara by miles. Annabel is so twee IMO.

Whisperingwinds · 19/02/2018 22:43

Annabel is pretty and has my vote!

LoveInTokyo · 20/02/2018 08:17

Really like both names. Don’t spell Annabel like Annabelle though, that’s way too frilly!

17caterpillars1mouse · 20/02/2018 10:16

favourite really like both but prefer Annabel as it can be shortened to either Annie or Belle both of which I love
Hate Annabelle spelling though

Peeetle · 20/02/2018 10:42

Love Clara, dislike Annabel which feels pretentious and annoying. I’d always pronounce Clara to rhyme with Cara (which is also nice, as is Lara).

C0untDucku1a · 20/02/2018 10:44

Clara is beautiful.

Annabelle is very popular. It wont be strange for your daughter to be an adult annabelle as there will be lots by then.

Arapaima · 20/02/2018 10:45

Clara by a mile! It’s gorgeous.

Estellanpip · 20/02/2018 10:56

Annabel is underrated in my opinion. It's a great name

Original poster
Redpramlady · 20/02/2018 12:34

Thank you all, I'm liking Clara with mn anabel (rather than anne)

OP posts:
NinjagoNinja · 20/02/2018 12:38

Annabel is gorgeous.

Annabelle is awful - looks like two names pushed together.

NinjagoNinja · 20/02/2018 12:39

Just seen your update. Lovely choices but please don't spell it Anabel - it need 2 'n's!

Original poster
Redpramlady · 20/02/2018 12:59

Yes agree I would spell it as annabel! Mistake when typing

OP posts:
Stacy07 · 20/02/2018 19:53

Personally my favourite is Clara. I think it’s beautiful x