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?

I think Isabelle is a good compromise and a much nicer spelling of Isobel

Isobel is an awesome name. I tried to change my name to that when I was about 10 but it never stuck.

Isobel

Isobel

Isabella has a more softer sound to it, my aunt is an Isabella but gets called Isabel.

isabella gives her more choice for if she wants a nickname too,

not a fan of the Isobel spelling, it’s a bit plain.

Isobel
My daughters name- she's 25, when I named her thought it was a bit unusual- gradually became more popular and now sounds like it's extremely popular- never know how names will go long term- She had 5 friends called Sophie - is Sophie still popular?
She always has to spell it though IsObel!

I am really really sick of this name is sooo overused - it’s the Claire / Victoria equivalent of our generation- sorry op.
This

Apologies for not clearing the quote.

Isabella is pretty and only has one spelling, but will be Izzy or Bella.
Isobel is ok but she'll get Isabelle or Isabel a lot. She'll be Izzy.

The names seem a bit tired.

I’ll throw Ishbel into the mix.

Love Ishbel ( a character from one of my favourite books).
I also like Isobel, don't like Isabella.
Love Matilda !

@TheaBrandt I don't know many Isobel's/Isabellas etc
There used to be 2 others in my daughter's school, which I don't think is too bad.
My daughter is Isobel and is almost 19.
I've been working with children for past 25 years and there's so many Sophia's, Amelia's, Olivia's, Grace and in the last 8 years so many Ava's. The new ultra common name seems to be Darcie/Darcey now.

Thank you all for your feedback - it looks like Isobel is the pretty clear winner out of the two options.

We understand it’s popular, but - whilst we would obviously rather that wasn’t the case - there’s not much we can do when it’s the only name we both agree on otherwise. At least we don’t know loads personally!

I prefer Isabella. Round here there are more Matildas than Isobels or Isabellas!

I much prefer Isabella as think it looks and sounds much prettier. The Bella bit looks lovely and makes me think of beauty (which is what it means). I also hate the Izzy nickname so I’m probably biased as girls with this name tend to get called Bella. I suppose with Isobel you could call her Bel. But then it looks a bit odd to me. Also there were loads in my class at school (with that spelling) so may be why I’m put off.

Oh this is lovely!

I prefer Isabella to Isobel but tbh there are just so many Isobel, Isabel, Isabelle, Isabellas etc I would go with something different personally. She is very likely to be one of many in her class/year at school (having to be referred to with your surname all the time is annoying - I have a common name and remember having this)
Annabelle, Annabella, Arabella, Mirabel, Isadora, Ariele, Aurielle, Aurelia or just Bella

In my (now teenage) sons class during primary school there were three Isabella’s in his class alone and two in the other class in the same year group .. we had to call them ‘Isabella B’ ‘Isabella R’ etc etc ! And I adored the name (it was on my list if I’d have had a little girl)

When it comes to the name Isobel .. there were NO Isobel’s at the school or in the area (and we had lots of the popular names around here )

Isobel to me is like ‘less is more’ compared to Isabella .. it’s simply beautiful and timeless .. it looks beautiful written down and how it’s spelt .. and as a nn ‘Belle’ (in my opinion) is so much more beautiful than the over used Bella

If you don’t want a name over used then how about some similar but more rare names

Arabella
Mirabelle
Isadora

All have the similar sounds to Isabella but not as commonly used (not yet anyway!)

Honestly it’s a lovely name but all charm has been drained away by over use. Same as Eve. It’s wall paper now. Most friendship groups have an Izzy. Both my teens are mates with several Izzy’s. There are lots of nice names so odd the majority choose the same few!

Matilda and Cicely - after Cicely Mary Barker
Matilda and Jane
Matilda and Joanna
Matilda and Lindsey
Matilda and Beatrix

@Newsenmum , Isabella is a feminine given name, the Latinate and Italian form of Isabel, the Spanish form, Isabelle, the French form, and Isobel, the Scottish form of the name Elizabeth. All are ultimately derived from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning God is my oath.
Gender: Female

from wiki

Isobel is lovely. I’m not a fan of Isabella - a bit frilly for my taste.

I’d go for Isabel TBH

Isobel. Speaking from first hand experience.

I also have a 25 year old Isobel! I’ve like the name since I was 8 and a schoolmate was called Isobel. I think Twilight was partly responsible for a surge of Isabelles Isabellas.

I don’t mind the name being popular and your daughter will probably miss the bulge to a degree anyway and share a class with multiple Floras, Winnies and Elsies. Such is life.