Poncy French spellings when a perfectly good English one is available

[CaresMildly]

Oh yes, I did it myself!

I think at the moment the more Italian/Spanish influence is more prevalent ie Anna over Ann(e), Isabella over Isobel(le), Sophia over Sophy/ie, Clara over Clare/Claire, Francesca over Frances etc. I think this is a very "noughties" trend.

We just read the Tiger who came to tea as well and its 'Sophie' in my book!
Perhaps they changed it for the more recent editions!

I think the spelling sometimes makes a difference to how the name is said,

Isabelle / Isobel
Genevieve / Jenifer
Margaret / Margaritte

We went with Isabelle - it was the only name DH suggested and we were on the way to the hospital so he caught me off guard a bit.
Not sure I would have gone for Isobel though.
I always think of it as the Spanish spelling as that is where we were living and for the Spanish queen.

Isn't is a version of Elizabeth?

Cthea do you know the nice poem "Who is Sylvia?" www.poemtree.com/poems/WhoIsSylvia.htm I learned the Schubert setting at one point, it's a classic.

Steaknife, I think Isobel is the spanish version of Elizabeth.

Thanks, Pastures, I didn't know it and I've kept it open on the computer now for DH to read. Or maybe I'll try it on Sylvia tomorrow morning.

I don't really understand Isabelle / Annabelle. Seems unnecessary to me.

I do love traditional French names, though.