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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Which spelling?

75 replies

SquareSweetsThatLookRound · 05/06/2026 06:35

We are going to use Isabelle as a middle name but not married to any particular spelling yet. Which one do people like the most? Does it also depend on the first name?
Isobel
Isabelle
Isabel
Isabell

Thank you everyone!

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whiteroseredrose · 05/06/2026 06:37

Isobel for me. But it’s a lovely name whatever the spelling.

HoppityBun · 05/06/2026 06:39

Isobel

MargotLovesTom · 05/06/2026 06:39

Definitely not with a double LL on the end! Either Isobel or Isabel. I prefer Isobel.

VIII · 05/06/2026 06:39

Isabelle would be my default spelling as it was yours.

BoleynMemories13 · 05/06/2026 06:44

I prefer Isobel, but I really don't think it matters for a middle name. As a first name, you may encounter people spelling it wrong but surely as a middle name this won't be an issue? Just pick the spelling you prefer.

LittleRobins · 05/06/2026 07:05

VIII · 05/06/2026 06:39

Isabelle would be my default spelling as it was yours.

I noted this too. I think Isabelle as it’s how you spelt it in your initial question.

It’s all down to personal preference really. So far most people are voting for Isobel but thats my least favourite way of spelling it. It doesn’t look as pretty to me.

Pemba · 05/06/2026 07:05

Isabel is the base line spelling in the UK , and also the one used in Spain, where I think the name originated.

Isobel is also British (Scottish?) it's lovely.

So I would say choose Isabel or Isobel, not sure which I prefer.

Over the last few years Isabelle seems to have become more popular here. It's the French version of the name. I wouldn't use it unless I had French connections, I find it a bit frilly. The extra 'le' on the end seems superfluous. Same thing with Annabel and Annabelle.

Isabell just isn't a thing, as far as I'm aware.

Henriettina · 05/06/2026 07:20

Not Isabell, but all the others are equally lovely.

csg376 · 05/06/2026 07:31

Isabel for me

Peanutlicious · 05/06/2026 07:32

Isabelle in my opinion

FourForksSake · 05/06/2026 08:28

Isobel
Keep it simple.

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 05/06/2026 09:16

I like Isabelle best. Second would be Isabel, I find the o spelling a bit cluncky although it seems to be the most popular on here

moonshinepoursthroughmywindow · 05/06/2026 09:31
  1. Isabel
  2. Isabelle
  3. Isobel
  4. anything else
Fifthtimelucky · 05/06/2026 10:24

I prefer Isobel, with Isabel in second place.

I don’t really like Isabelle. I love Isabella, though it might work so well as a middle name.

I don’t like Isabell at all.

Landlordio · 05/06/2026 10:25

Isabelle

xOlive · 05/06/2026 10:26

Isabelle.
The rest feel… wrong?

MovedlikeHarlowinMonteCarlo · 05/06/2026 10:26

I like Isabelle.

Seaitoverthere · 05/06/2026 10:33

I prefer Isabel

NamingNoNames · 05/06/2026 10:51

Not RTFT.

Isobel - strangely popular on MN. I think it's a bit stern-sounding and frumpy
Isabelle - a bit too frilly
Isabel - best spelling
Isabell - looks like a typo

I'd pick a different name.

ILoveRichardOsman · 05/06/2026 10:56

I'm sure it always used to usually be Isabel then something changed a few years back and now lots of them are Isobel. Mumsnet seems to love Isobel.

I still prefer Isabel.

The extra 'lle' is a bit to frilly for me.

A beautiful name however you spell it.

NamingNoNames · 05/06/2026 11:22

@ILoveRichardOsman , there was a phase of Claudia being very popular.

I think some users would suggest Rose or James as a middle name for any first name including Rose and James.

EightySix47 · 05/06/2026 11:56

Personally I would go for Isabelle

user1492757084 · 05/06/2026 12:16

For a second name..
Isabel or Isabelle. They are the spellings people will most expect. Or Isabella.
Isobel is sweet for a Scottish connection.

Isabell is a spelling error.

CarriMarie · 05/06/2026 12:26

Isabel

SquigglePigs · 05/06/2026 12:27

Isobel or Isabelle are both good. Not keen on the other ones.