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 think it's one of those posh pony club names that are never in or out of fashion. Like Camilla, Henrietta or Miranda. If that's the look you're after then it's probs a good pick.

I’m thinking Annabel now, especially as I definitely would not want it to be shortened to Elle or Ellie…that’s unlikely right?! So don’t want to create a focus on the elle ending.

@Hobbesmanc oh no! Well I’m very much not a fan of any of those other names you just mentioned.

I dread to think of your opinion on Julian!

If you add the different spellings it will appear to be more popular. Annabelle is too frilly and Annabella is awful

Definitely Annabel. Annabelle is too frilly and try hard for my liking, to me looks like someone trying to be unique

I have a primary-aged Annabel. She never gets called by a nickname. She does like to tell people that her real name is Annabella though, and to write her name in any variation she fancies Her brother has discovered the 'baby Annabell' song, which is extremely annoying for everyone. I still like her name!

I thought of the horror film too sorry!

Annabel is the nicer spelling.

To me it's very old fashioned

Annabelle was on my list for DD2. I like it and have only met one in the last 14 years. Goes with Julian, reminds me of the Famous Five with Julian and Anne!

I much prefer Annabel and Isabel over Annabelle and Isabelle.

Annabel is pretty without being fussy.

Not a fan, and don’t like the ananan sound of “Julian and Annabel”. but sounds like I’m in the minority.

My granddaughter's feeding and wetting doll.

I love Annabel.

@TheWayTheLightFalls I hadn’t thought of that at all and you’re right, it is a bit repetitive.

Actually Julian & Annabel doesn't work so well together.... especially when said together...
JulieAnnabel

Yeah, it’s a good point isn’t it @pinklavenders! I’m not convinced it’s a deal breaker because of the infrequency in which I’d need to say the two names together but def something to consider!

We’ve just been practising saying it here but I don’t think we’re getting the full effect because we’re enunciating in a way we wouldn’t usually.

Lol. Julian was my least favourite Famous Five. But I guess you probably won't be going with Dick .

What about Arabella. Or even Arbella who was a Tudor princess.

We have an Annabel in the family, she’s in her 50s though and is always Anna 🤷‍♀️which is a shame as it’s a pretty name.
I like Arabella too.

@Hobbesmanc now interestingly, Arabella had always been my top girls name, after reading Pope’s ‘Rape of the Lock’ at uni.

@Remainiac I suppose I’d have to just resign myself to it being her choice what diminutive she uses as she ages!

Annabel is one of my daughter's middle names - we preferred the English rather than the French spelling but that is just down to personal preference. It's nice as it gives options of Annie or Belle as nicknames too. Go for it!

My daughter is called Annabel and I know of two others all born last year! It's a beautiful name, I prefer the english spelling but the others I know both are with the french( Annabelle)

One of our GDs is Annabelle although we often call her Belle It’s a lovely name

It's a lovely name however it's spelt - and whichever you choose you/they will have to spell it out all the time like many names. However, I’m not sure it goes with Julian - you’ll be saying JuliAN ANd ANabel so three Ans in a row.

It makes me think of Sarah Ferguson. She wanted to call her eldest Annabel but it was apparently deemed unacceptable. Too pony-club suburban or something.