Annabel?

[Cockerwalk]

Annabel, Annabelle or Annabella? Seems to have dropped out of the top 100 in the UK and I’m quite surprised because I’d have thought it was seen as quite similar to Isabel, Isabelle and Isabella?

Do you think it’s maybe a bit dated?

Has to go with a three syllable surname.

Thanks wise mumsnetters!

I love Annabelle, I think it’s a prettier spelling than Annabel.

Annabelle is nicer

It's a lovely name. Annabelle is my favourite spelling

I have an Annabelle...much prefer that spelling as Annabel looks unfinished somehow. Also because belle means pretty in French!! It's not a common name.. she's nearly 17 now and I've only come across 2 other Annabelles of similar age.
No matter how 'fashionabe' or 'unfashionable' a name is, if you love it, go for it!! What does it matter?!

Annabelle is one of my eldest daughters middle names I love it

I like the Annabel spelling. Be prepared to have to spell it out every time though.

I prefer Annabel, Annabelle seems unnecessarily flouncy and put on. It’s a lovely name.

You’ve all made me very excited that I might have found my name! It needs to go with Julian (older DS).

I think it goes nicely?

I’m not at all bothered about popularity of the name but I am surprised it isn’t more popular. I wonder why.

@Cockerwalk I love it. The original spelling is nicest IMO. You’re right, it’s not very popular anymore - it has the definite benefit of being well known though. Goes with Julian nicely too!

I think it's one of those names that's been known without being hugely popular for ages. I don't think it's dated at all.

Prefer Annabel, definitely. Annabelle is just a bit too much.

Have you Googled Annabelle doll or horror movie. Sorry to be negative but they might have something to do with it falling out of fashion? Of the 2 though I’d prefer the Annabel spelling.

Annabel is much nicer!

Annabelle looks unnecessarily frilly and has the emphasis on -elle.

Likely to be shortened to Anna even if you and your daughter don't want it to be.and without anyone asking.

I think it's quite a timeless name. The horror franchise will die away.

Annabelle is one of those perfect names. Not common but known, pretty but still carries through nicely to adulthood. Also, goes very nicely with Julian.

Annabel. Traditional spelling is lovely.

I instantly thought of the horror films!

It will constantly get misspelled - Anabell, Annabel, Annabell etc

Annabel is less flouncy - I’d go for that one

I think it's a lovely name, and no not dated. I really like Annabel and Annabella. I dislike the Annabelle spelling though for some reason. I am the same with Isobel, love Isobel, Isabel but can't stand Isabelle spelling.

I think Annie is a cute shortening too

I prefer Annabel. It's a really pretty name but I think the other spelling is a bit fussy for me.

@TheOGCCL yeah; not something I’d encourage. My hope is that if there was going to be a diminutive used, it would be Annie, which I really don’t mind.

I have an Annabelle, the name has dropped in terms of popularity since I had her, may be related to the film (though it's never really been on my radar apart from the fact it's my daughter's name!). We've met several around, in her year at school, in other schools and in other places. Definitely meet more Isobels (and the other spellings/ versions) around though!

@17caterpillars1mouse yeah: I like Annie too! First name I’ve thought of where I like the possible nn too.

@rainbowandglitter haven’t seen it 🤷‍♀️

It seems to be getting a bit more popular where I am, but not mega

Annabel with a 3 syllable surname

The extra letters are too fussy, and Annabella will be v long w your surname

@Luluuuuuuuuuu85 interesting. I’ve just checked at the school I teach at and we have 7 Annabels/Annabelles out of a total of 1300 so not overly popular but also not rare. Conversely, we’ve got the same number of Graces, which is another name I like but DH is dead against because that’s what his mum’s cat is called.