Isobel or Isabella?

[MKWarrier]

After a lot of discussion and flip flopping on names, DH and I have decided on either Isobel (this spelling) or Isabella for DD2. We know they are popular, but we have put aside our concerns about this as they’re the only names (or versions of the same name) that we both like, and we’d rather have a popular name we agree on than a less popular one that one of us isn’t keen on. We also haven’t met many young ones personally.

Our thoughts on the names are:

Isobel - less frilly and might serve her better as an adult, and less popular than other versions (though appreciate this is negligible given all the variants of the name). More likely to use the full version of this than Isabella (but we like all possible nicknames so not necessarily a priority). Down side - she will probably have to spend a lot of time spelling it for people.

Isabella - has a bit more history with historical European royalty / literary characters than Isobel, which fits well with DD1’s name (Matilda). Only one spelling will make her life easier. But also a bit frilly and long - we probably won’t use the full name as often.

Which one should we go for?

They are both VERY common and I don’t think particularly popular here so I’d put a hard hat on.

I’d go for Isobel but I agree, she will spell it a lot.

To me, Isabella is much prettier and feminine feeling than Isobel which looks and feels quite abrupt. I prefer Isabella but that said, I don't think I'd want two girls with the same 'a' sound at the end of their names, personal preference though!

Isabella is lovely. I’d go with that.

If the only downside of Isobel is the spelling, could you use a more common variant?

Isabel surely covers both for you? Lovely name and not massively over popular round our way - can’t think of any under 10s I know

Isobel. By far.
I like Isabella but it’s Victoriana flowery and frilly. And simpler names are coming back in.

Worth thinking about how you prefer to shorten it. If you don't like Bella, then go with Isobel. People will use Bella a lot for an Isabella. I wouldn't worry too much about her having to spell her name. I'm an Eleanor, and it's not a big deal helping people to spell it. Unless your little one will have a lobg, tricky surname to spell out too! :) Good luck, and both names are lovely x

Prefer Isobel but with teen girls I am really really sick of this name is sooo overused - it’s the Claire / Victoria equivalent of
our generation- sorry op.

Isobel because I really don’t like Bella.

Isobel (tiny bit biased)

Isobel is lovely

Lovely! I marginally prefer Isobel. I didn’t know this was an unusual spelling variant as it’s a family name for us. This particular relative was christened Isabella, but it was never used. Perhaps, being of a working class background, she ended up as Isobel for most of her life. Not sure why it was Isobel and not Isabel, but as a result, Isabel looks like a misspelling to me.

If you want a cute nickname in family circles she was Ibble (her sister’s mispronunciation which stuck for life).

I like Isobel, for the reasons you mentioned- she is more likely to be able to use her full name in more situations, e.g. at work etc, if she likes. I would find Isabella a bit frilly to use day to day as an adult, personally. She can still use Issy or Bel as short versions if she likes as a teen etc…, but it just gives more useable options.

seriously the last 5 girls born (different circles) have had various spellings of Isobel/Isabella. It’s dull, overdone and the nn are Izzy or Bella both awful

My Dd is Isobel and Izzy. I love it.

Isobel by miles for me. I find it very classy even though it is well used

Isobel

Arabella is much nicer

Love Isobel

Isobel-I have one. We've had to spell it sometimes but I hated Bella so went with this spelling. The grandparents on one side never ever spells it right

Yes this!

Isobel - it's my dds middle name. This spelling

Isobel or Isabel (but not Isabella).

I prefer Isobel by a long way, I think it goes better with Matilda too, feminine and strong and not frilly.

I had this dilemma too.

I went for Isobel as it looked better imo when written in joined up writing. I liked the way the o joined the b.

If I were her I’d feel I got the short straw because Isobel is so plain compared with my sister’s name.