Isabel or Isabelle

[toadstool32]

If you heard the name what would your first thought be on spelling? (Really don't like isobel spelling).

Growing up in the 90s, all the Isabel's I knew were Isabel, although I knew one Isobel and an Ysabelle.

Isabelle seems to be more popular in the UK lately and is the French spelling. I work with a lot of Isabelle's now who are all in their early 20s.

I prefer Isabel. It's simpler and looks nicer IMO. I generally prefer shorter versions of names e.g. Juliet over Juliette.

Having looked at darkgreener, Isabelle is definitely the most common spelling atm, ranked 28 in E&W in 2019 whereas Isabel was 142.

names.darkgreener.com/#isabelle

names.darkgreener.com/#isabel

Isabelle

Isabel.
Not a frilly type and it shows in my name choices.

Spelling it Isabelle when you’re English, and pronouncing the name the English way, makes you look a bit uneducated to me - as if adding extra letters makes it prettier or posher, when it really makes it fussier and more downmarket. It’s the name equivalent of putting big bows on a baby’s head. Isobel is fine too.

Definitely prefer Isabelle, the others look unfinished and stumpy.

@daisypond

Spelling it Isabelle when you’re English, and pronouncing the name the English way, makes you look a bit uneducated to me - as if adding extra letters makes it prettier or posher, when it really makes it fussier and more downmarket. It’s the name equivalent of putting big bows on a baby’s head. Isobel is fine too.

This is my gut feel too. I know it's a bit snobby but there you go.

Isabel is the standard English spelling and it’s simple and elegant. (Isobel is Scottish variation.)

Isabelle looks fussy and silly to me, like spelling Juliet Juliette, or Lucy Lucie

People tend to spell it to reflect any Isabelle they already know. DDs name is a more unusual spelling (seemed a good idea at the time) and people always sell it wrong. Also when she was small we could never get any of the personalised things from shos, which saved me money on tat but Dd was often disappointed.

spell it wrong.

Isabella is prettier IMO

Isabel for me. It’s the Spanish version.
Isobel is the Scottish
Isabelle is French
Isabella I think is Italian.

I have an Isabel and invariably she will get birthday cards with Isobel, Isabelle and even Isabella on them!

I definitely only like Isobel.

The other ones look odd to me.

Isobel.

I really don't like belle on the end. Too frilly and princessy.

Isabel.

Isabelle (unless you're French) looks a bit fussy and frilly to me and invites the short form Belle, which I dislike a lot. And Isobel looks like it ought to be pronounced like isobar!

I think Isabelle is better than Isobel or Isabel but that’s just my opinion ,my daughter is called Isabelle and I just love the spelling

*isabel

@Sudename

I have an Isabel and invariably she will get birthday cards with Isobel, Isabelle and even Isabella on them!

Yup and we've had Izabel too

Actually just read previous comment and Izabel spelling was by Polish friend, so understandable if that's how it's spelt there.

I love love the sound of the name but I just can't decide on spelling. Anyway got months to get it sorted. Thank you all.

Also decide which shortened version you like …
Izzy
Iz
Issy
and use it before others use the one that you don’t like and it sticks.

@TableSetting we actually like Belle as a shortening otherwise Issy.

My friend has got an Izabelle, I've never known anyone else spell it that way

If you like Belle I would go for Isabelle x

Much prefer Isabel - it the original/oldest and the most classic looking to me. Isabelle is okay if you are French/French heritage, similarly Isobel is lovely if you have Scottish links but otherwise I think it's nicest to go with the original personally.