Naming a child similar to a pet name?

[Sunshine1996]

Started looking at girls names and I love Arabella. Partner however did own a horse before we got together with his ex called Bella. I’m sure Arabella would get shortened to this. Would this matter to you? Can’t work out whether it’s an issue.

I wouldn't see it as an issue to be honest, you could encourage Ara or Bel as a nickname rather than Bella. You could also consider Arabelle as an alternative?

No wouldn't bother me in the slightest. You can't rule out every name that's ever been used by someone/something you used to know/have.

Does it bother DP?

Thank you for the replies! I haven’t suggested it yet. Sorry to drip feed but the same ex was called Isabella. However she was only ever known as Izzy never Bella.

I think it's okay, but honestly the thing with the ex's name just tips it over for me. I'd pick something different.

With the pets, I would have hated the idea that I'd been named after an animal. Some people would love it, I'm sure, but since you have no way of knowing way your baby will feel, I generally would avoid that too. There's just about enough separation here that it's unlikely to come up. But, I dunno, I think I'd be wanting something that you don't feel has any connection with his ex.

God, no. Choose another name, the horse is irrelevant now you've told us that!

How about Aurelia or Aria

Was thinking of naming my child Keemstar after the amazing youtuber,

Horse fine, ex not fine

Sorry! Just saw the date of OP.

This wouldn’t bother me. Me & my DP ended up naming our son the name of a dog we previously had years ago (it’s a people name, not a name like Milo 😂). We just really liked the name & it was the only one we really agreed on.

I think that's fine - Arabella could also get Arry, Elle/Ella and Belle as well as Bella. But even if DD gets called Bella, if the ex was known as Izzy and DP no longer owns Bella the horse, I can't see it matters.

Hmmmmm I also think the ex sort of tips it from 'who cares about that?' to 'maybe not' territory for me.

Alternatives:

Aria
Arianwen
Ariana

Tbh, I prefer these anyway! Arabella is mega frilly imo.

Also, Araminta?