Baby name help!

[JosieBelle]

Hi everyone,

Looking for your advice, baby girl due, grandmothers name is Bella - considering that but not sure if it’s a bit out there or a favourite classic of mine is Maria - any thoughts strangers of the internet!

I really like Bella and it’s really not all that out there. Not so keen on Maria, although can’t quite pinpoint why.

Bella is not out there! Bella is lovely. Or perhaps Isabella, so she has more choice when she's older.

I would use your favourite classic personally, and leave grandma's name as a middle name. Give them their own first name, and Maria is rarer and less likely to date.

Could do Maria Isabelle or Maria Annabelle.

These children are probably now about 15/16, but a few years ago, I taught in a school that had 18 girls in Year 6, and six of them were either Bella or Isabella. Both are fine names, and extremely popular. The names were definitely having a moment a while back, and are both still well used now. Not sure whether you would mind the popularity or not?

Oh, Maria is lovely, and works very well internationally.

Thanks all, Bella is sweet, I don’t mind the popularity. The threads that call it a dog name are off putting!
I wasn’t sure if it was a bit out there but clearly not I’m doubting myself!

Bella is the no.1 dogs name.

It’s just a bit, twee and boring, personally. I think because Isabella is so popular and they’re always Bella, it’s just a bit overused.

I’ll be honest, I do know more dogs called Bella than people.
However, it is a sweet name but if you’re not fussed about the common use of it in pets then go for it.
Or it could be used as a middle name?
Not a fan of Maria, I think Marie is okay.

If you look at:
Babies called Bella in England & Wales since 1996
Then try it with Isabella, Arabella etc.
Ella is also very popular.

The site only shows the results for babies registered with the name, so a Bella registered as Isabella, or Arabella won't show on the chart for Bella.

Marianne is a beautiful name and can be shortened to Maria/ Marie, Annie.
I love Bella too - lovely choices.

Also came to say I prefer Maria (I think that’s quite cool, but also still classic!) and Bella reminds me of a Dog - and then read the responses!

Bella is nice as a nn but I’m not so keen as a full name as I like it more for a child than an adult - Isabella / Annabella / Arabella are nice longer versions (I love Annabella as she can choose Annie if she prefers when older). I do know quite a few Bella’s (children and dogs!) but I don’t see it as a dogs name, just a bit too twee and popular for my taste.

Maria feels a bit dated to me, but it’s a classic so not necessarily in a bad way.

Mirabel would give nn options of Miri or Belle / Bella?

I like both of them! I know it's a bit Encanto but Mirabel is also lovely and a bit like both?

Bella is popular but not a fan personally as a full name, Isabelle, Annabelle, Arabella? Maria?

annabelle Maria?

I really like Maria! Much cooler than ubiquitous Bella.

I like Maria and it’s just beginning to be used again

Bella is nice but a) there are a lot of them - because of all the Isabel/las around and b) I think it does need a full name because just Bella will be unfortunate if she’s plain, given it means beautiful and most people know that