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Baby names

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

Original poster

Arabella

57 replies

kayzr · 03/02/2009 14:16

I watched a program last night and someone on it was called Arabella.

I'm not pg but I do quite like the name and I might store it for future use but is it really posh and pretentious?

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traceybath · 04/02/2009 11:02

I think its a lovely name and once worked with one who was always known as 'the beautiful bella'!

annasmami · 04/02/2009 11:06

I like Arabella. Sound great in other (e.g. German, French, Spanish) languages too!

CountessDracula · 04/02/2009 11:07

I don't like it
it's a bit prissy sounding tbh

MaplePecanPlait · 04/02/2009 11:22

I fear you will get 'looks' when you have to shout it in a supermarket. We would probably giggle and roll our eyes I'm afraid.

MrsMattie · 04/02/2009 11:55

Annabel and Arabella a bit posh for me.

Original poster
kayzr · 04/02/2009 12:12

I'm not sure it would go with my DS's names either.

Good thing I'm not expecting then.

OP posts:
CarryOnUpTheLiffey · 04/02/2009 15:14

Annabel is like a Amelia, if they were 30 they'd be posh, under five, just normal imo.

I'd expect a baby Arabella to be eye-wateringly posh.

ADealingMummy · 04/02/2009 17:54

I definitely like the name Arabella.

RachieB · 04/02/2009 21:37

not my bag

but then i dont like Isabella,Gabriella etc either

serin · 04/02/2009 23:08

Depends where you live Maplepecan!

No-one would roll their eyes here, every second child is a variant of 'bella' or 'bel'. 2Helenback, I have a Gabriel and he has never been called gay or wimpy!

2Helenback · 05/02/2009 11:44

Serin, it is a measure of how dominant my dh's inner meathead can be! I think it's fab, and Gabe is cool and surfy. Didn't mean to cause any offense!

lunamoon2 · 05/02/2009 19:25

I think it is very nice.
Helen2 I like Gabriel too, but my oh says no way and nobody else I know likes it-go for it both names are cool.

MaplePecanPlait · 05/02/2009 20:45

Mmm Serin, surely if it is so popular by you then that's another reason to avoid it?

fizzpops · 07/02/2009 14:20

I love Arabella

All those 'el' or 'ella' names really.

ellac · 18/02/2009 08:41

My name is Arabella. As a child i did think it was very grown up and people used to call me bella - (which i hated) sounds like a dogs name!!!People do tend to call me Ella now. I love the name Arabella - a lot more classier than sharon or tracy!! IMO

LadyThompson · 19/02/2009 10:24

I love it. So elegant. And I know one and she is fabulous, so only good connotations for me.

MelloRose · 26/02/2009 02:25

My daughters name is Arabella Rose, she is 17 months old. The name fits her like a glove. She's our little princess, but tough as nails. I got the name Arabella from a Children's book about pirates, and since she was born in Key West, FL, I thought it appropriate.

MelloRose · 26/02/2009 02:26

My daughters name is Arabella Rose, she is 17 months old. The name fits her like a glove. She's our little princess, but tough as nails. I got the name Arabella from a Children's book about pirates, and since she was born in Key West, FL, I thought it appropriate.

PottyCock · 26/02/2009 07:06

Beautiful - but I am biased!

PottyCock · 26/02/2009 07:07

ellac - snap! I don't get shortened though.

CDMforever · 21/09/2010 22:32

MelloRose, just looking at old threads about names and discovered your DD has same name as our DD - Arabella Rose! I'm shocked, thought we were the only ones. Its such a beautiful name. Does it get shortened to Bella often?

coraltoes · 22/09/2010 09:57

I really like it and shortened to Belle or Bella is even nicer when she is a self conscious teen who will no doubt hate her name (dont most teens?)

Kathleen123 · 23/09/2010 12:27

I'm afraid i think its a poncey name. Other similar names are Fenella and Annabella.

rachel234 · 23/09/2010 12:50

Whats wrong with 'poncey', Kathleen?

Kathleen123 · 23/09/2010 13:47

The name wouldnt 'fit' with my family and friends names. I prefer Annabel or Isobel, and then shortened to Bel.

For some families, no doubt it would fit.