Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Baby names

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

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

Bullied for being called Isabelle

70 replies

Worrier13 · 09/04/2019 10:12

Please bear with me as this is a bit long winded!
I recently had a beautiful baby girl who is a delight but I was rushed into choosing a name and decided on Isabelle.
I know everyone says it but I honestly didn't know how popular it was until we had decided on it. As it is number 24 I thought others would be more popular and I find it's everywhere!!
However I could live with that if I loved the name which I don't. Every time I hear it I think of is a bell and worry myself sick that she is going to get teased so badly at school and I've already failed her as a mum. I think about this constantly.
I'm looking for reassurance that she won't be bullied or if your child has because of this name how you dealt with it so I can prepare myself.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Minglemangle · 10/04/2019 16:57

A name in itself does not attract bullies and Isabelle is ubiquitous these days. Very much the Claire/Sarah of the early 2000s.

UnusualBluePenguin · 10/04/2019 16:57

It's a nice name and I think it being so popular make less of a target for jokes or comments. But if you personally don't love it and have thought of a name you do love then it would be ok to change.

Eustasiavye · 10/04/2019 17:30

Isabelle is a lovely name.
I think it's popularity would make it unlikely for your dd to be bullied for her name.
Don't worry op.
I think it's natural for new parents to be anxious.

pipsqueakthethird · 10/04/2019 18:16

If you don't have another name then stick with Isabelle. You could try out a few shortenings to see which one you think she suits best

PCohle · 10/04/2019 18:25

Isabelle is a lovely, totally normal name. It also has lots of nickname options if you DD doesn't like it in the future.

This may totally not apply to you, and obviously worrying you've made the right name choice is completely normal but feeling very anxious can be a symptom of PND. Please see your GP if you are struggling.

ohhi · 10/04/2019 19:10

I love the name Isabelle and 'is a bell' doesn't even come to mind. It's a perfectly normal (and pretty) name.

LIVIA999 · 10/04/2019 19:25

My mum changed my name as she went off it when I was a few weeks old. I don't think anyone noticed and I certainly don't care. The name I was originally given I'm not that keen on so I'd say do it if you aren't happy.
Saying that I think Isabelle is gorgeous. I love all the abbreviations, Izzy, belle, Bella,
Could you call her one of those?

Hollowvictory · 10/04/2019 19:29

Schools are full of Isabelles it's a very common name and highly unlikely to be a reason for bullying

Hollowvictory · 10/04/2019 19:29

But if you really don't like it then change it

MissPollyHadADolly19 · 10/04/2019 19:39

DD is an Isabelle and has never been bullied for her name, there are alot of Isabelles in her school and previous nursery too. Don't overthink it too much OP x

MrsBertBibby · 10/04/2019 19:43

If you do come up with a name you prefer, you can change her birth certificate before her first birthday.

Is the dad on the BC, or just you?

NutMeghan · 10/04/2019 20:52

Think of the worst that would happen. Even if the teasing scenario was to happen it would be very mild. She would be able to laugh it off or roll her eyes and ignore.

Congratulations on your little one and don't give it another thought.

Oakmaiden · 10/04/2019 20:56

What names do you think will attract bullies, because clearly we need a top 10 to avoid?

Clytemnestra. Clytie for short.

I am fairly sure you would be bullied for that. My mu insists that it is so unusual nobody would be able to find something to bully about it.

She is such an innocent, my mum.

hotstepper4 · 10/04/2019 20:58

My dsd is called Isabelle. Everyone calls her Izzy, I call her Izzy Bee 😂 she's never been teased and she's nearly 11.

GreenTulips · 10/04/2019 22:14

Clytemnestra. Clytie for short

I am fairly sure you would be bullied for that

I’m fairly sure she’d be fine

INeedNewShoes · 10/04/2019 22:20

I was at school with a Clytie. Now I'm wondering if her full name was Clytemenestra!

She was really cool (in a nice way) and as far as I know not mocked for her name.

Bumblebeesmum · 11/04/2019 11:13

Bullies target children who are different & the name Isabelle couldn’t be further from that - bullies are a scary concept for parents but if it happens it’ll be awful but not because of her name

NataliaOsipova · 11/04/2019 11:18

Isabelle is a nice name. And a perfectly “normal” sort of name. The sort of name nobody would think to pass negative comment on. I know several and have never heard anyone make a pejorative remark. Please don’t worry.

NewSchoolNewName · 11/04/2019 11:25

I think the fact that Isabelle (and variations of Isabelle) are so popular, means that it’ll be too normal a name to attract any attention from bullies.

Original poster

Worrier13 · 11/04/2019 11:35

If I were to keep it (as there isn't 1 alturnative) would I grow to love it or should I love it instantly?

OP posts:

PCohle · 11/04/2019 11:37

I think a lot of people expect to adore their baby's name but when it comes down to it end up picking the option that is "least bad".

It's a really big decision and it's totally normal to have doubts and second thoughts. If you don't have another name in mind that you love though I can't see the point in changing it. Wouldn't you just start doubting that name too?

Kokeshi123 · 11/04/2019 11:40

Change it if you want to. But Isabelle is a perfectly nice name.

BillywilliamV · 11/04/2019 11:43

If it helps, my DD has been bullied by a girl called Isabelle/ Isobel (not sure of spelling) )

BillywilliamV · 11/04/2019 11:44

and I think you will love the right name instantly, so this may not be the right name. Though it is very pretty,

Kirbs1979 · 11/04/2019 11:46

I have a 9 year old Isabelle, she's not had anyone tease her about her name. Tbh if they did she'd probably sigh and roll her eyes at them like she does me when i say "Izzy wizzy lets get busy" when we need to do something

Flip

1 2 3