Isobel/Isabel

[Viviennemary]

What is the more usual spelling of this name. Anybody got an Isobel/Isabel.

my sister is Isabel and I prefer it. Her name is constantly misspelt though! Usually assumed Isabelle.

All I see in Isobel is SOB. Isabel is much nicer

I have an Isobel, I've always preferred the spelling. She regularly gets it misspelled: Isabel, Isabelle, Isabella, izobel...

I feel Isobel is more popular in Scotland and Isabel/Isabelle in England.

I agree that Isobel seems more favoured in Scotland. Just regional variations, not ‘nicer’, not better.

I have an Isobel as I prefer the softer vowel sound in the middle. With the local regional accent Isabel could sound awful.

Isabel is a lovely name. I have a friend called Isabel and she goes by the name of Belle, which really suits her because she is beautiful.

According to Darkgreener, the most popular is Isabelle by far, then Isabel, but the figures do not include Scotland. Isabella is even more popular.

I have an Isobel, she’s beautiful 😍

At the moment, in England and Wales:

1. Isabelle #33
2. Isabel #133
3. Isobel #160

Highest ranking ever:

1. Isabelle #17 (2008-2012)
2. Isabel #50 (2008)
3. Isobel #50 (2003)

Isabelle is the most popular spelling by far now and was the only spelling to ever make the top 20 in England and Wales.

People here tend to claim it "too French" which is ridiculous to me, because it's the most popular spelling here as well and Isabel isn't English in origin either, neither is Isobel, which is Scottish.

I would pick Isabelle and between the two you like: Isabel.

In Scotland it's a bit different, for 2022:

1. Isobel (27 births)
2. Isabelle (17 births)
3. Isabel (11 births)

but the difference between them is so small that it doesn't really matter.

Keep in mind that outside of English-speaking countries the pronunciation of Isobel would differ from those of Isabel/Isabelle.

Isobel is prettier to me

Yes I agree although where I live it's pronounced Izzibill which doesn't sound nice at all

We used the Scottish form, Isobel, to honour Scottish roots. However, my preferred spelling is Isabel.

Isabelle seems a bit fussy.

I prefer Isabel over Isobel as it just seems to make more sense pronunciation wise. It also looks nicer imo. It's a beautiful name either way.

Isabel 100%

Isabel is a family name in my family and I’m scottish. I have to say I love all spellings of it though 😊

I’m an Isobel. Love this spelling.

I have an Isabelle. She’s in secondary school now but in her year there is an Isabel, Isobel and an Izzy. I would say Isobel differently from Isabelle/Isabel

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this name. All the versions are lovely.

Isabel is the standard, unless you are in Scotland

It’s said the same

Isobel!

I have always loved this name, would go with Isobel over Isabel as my brain just goes ‘is a bell’ which is so stupid 😂

I prefer Isobel. It’s an old family name and that’s the only reason I prefer that spelling. Beautiful name.

@Luredbyapomegranate I would disagree. They are said as they are written. One is an “a” one is an “o”, subtle difference yes, but different all the same.