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HelpElisabeth vs. Isabella
We both like both these names, but wouldn't use them in a sibset (or at least admit on BTN that we would :D). Which one would you choose & why? Popularity doesn't matter to us and the child would most likely be known as Ellie or Elsie if we go with Elisabeth and Bella if we go with Isabella, our last name starts with M if that matters.
Other potential names we like are: Esme, Grace, Violet, Lillian / Lily, Marguerite (either Daisy or Maggie), Susannah, Clementine, Claire, Astrid, and Jacinthe. If we choose to go with Elisabeth, Annabelle would be a strong personality, but I feel like I'm forcing my preference on DH.
Other potential names we like are: Esme, Grace, Violet, Lillian / Lily, Marguerite (either Daisy or Maggie), Susannah, Clementine, Claire, Astrid, and Jacinthe. If we choose to go with Elisabeth, Annabelle would be a strong personality, but I feel like I'm forcing my preference on DH.
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All nice enough choices.
I would go with Elisabeth - well, Elizabeth really. My Spanish teacher frequently refers to his daughter Elizabeth as Isabel, I think that Elizabeth with the occasional pet name of Isabella could work. Elisabeth is a lot more timeless - I mean I know popularity doesn't matter to you and I can understand that, but if they were both number 10 I would go with Elizabeth because it is more connected to the English language? I guess? And a name American women have been consistently named for hundreds of years, and English speaking women hundreds and hundreds of years before that? Not that I think there is anything wrong with going outside of your own language, of course, but I think there is something very powerful about being connected to your own language and therefore to the rich heritage of your female ancestors for hundreds of years...
of course if you're not english-speaking all of this would apply to Isabella! I really hope I don't come across the wrong way, my top combo being Minerva Maria Cecilia and all. Both are lovely but I'd go with Elizabeth. ELISABETH! (I def. prefer the Z though I feel it is MUCH more sensible.)
I would go with Elisabeth - well, Elizabeth really. My Spanish teacher frequently refers to his daughter Elizabeth as Isabel, I think that Elizabeth with the occasional pet name of Isabella could work. Elisabeth is a lot more timeless - I mean I know popularity doesn't matter to you and I can understand that, but if they were both number 10 I would go with Elizabeth because it is more connected to the English language? I guess? And a name American women have been consistently named for hundreds of years, and English speaking women hundreds and hundreds of years before that? Not that I think there is anything wrong with going outside of your own language, of course, but I think there is something very powerful about being connected to your own language and therefore to the rich heritage of your female ancestors for hundreds of years...
of course if you're not english-speaking all of this would apply to Isabella! I really hope I don't come across the wrong way, my top combo being Minerva Maria Cecilia and all. Both are lovely but I'd go with Elizabeth. ELISABETH! (I def. prefer the Z though I feel it is MUCH more sensible.)
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Honestly, I'd wait and see her little face, hear her little voice, and then decide. Both names are nice, but have a different "feel" and one might seem to fit better than the other.
I generally prefer Elisabeth. Isabella seems a tad princessy or "eurochic" to me, in the same vein as Luca and Gianna. I also don't find the nickname Bella attractive.
Or maybe it's just because Elizabeth just seems more comfy to me, as an English speaker with no living European relatives.
I think Isabella goes better with the other names you've listed, if that matters (except Grace and maybe Claire).
I generally prefer Elisabeth. Isabella seems a tad princessy or "eurochic" to me, in the same vein as Luca and Gianna. I also don't find the nickname Bella attractive.
Or maybe it's just because Elizabeth just seems more comfy to me, as an English speaker with no living European relatives.
I think Isabella goes better with the other names you've listed, if that matters (except Grace and maybe Claire).
This message was edited 4/11/2008, 9:57 AM
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Thanks, ultimately that is what we will do if we're able to get pregnant again. DH & I just like to hear what people have to say, IRL everyone seems to prefer Isabella, but the name is everywhere and I do find it a little too princessy (DH makes it even more so with his favourite nn CinderBella) paired with our most likely choices like Grace, Esme, and some sort of flower name.
For some reason, my boys list is good and I know that we'll just wait and see, but I feel very antsy about girls names.
For some reason, my boys list is good and I know that we'll just wait and see, but I feel very antsy about girls names.
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If it were me I would definitely go with Elisabeth simply because of the nicknames Ellie or Elsie. I know a woman named Bella who is the short, Italian grandmother type with tightly-permed hair and a raspy voice so I only ever associate the name with her!
From your other names I LOVE Esme, Violet and Astrid.
From your other names I LOVE Esme, Violet and Astrid.
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I think I'm going to have to go after the potential nns as a way of swaying DH, but ultimately, if we're blessed to get pregnant again and I'm actually able to carry to term, we'll probably just wait & see.
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Between the two, I prefer Elisabeth (this spelling) because it's more timeless (in terms of consistent popularity) and it offers so many nn possibilities.
I love Marguerite (nn Daisy) and Susannah.
I love Marguerite (nn Daisy) and Susannah.
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Thanks, Marguerite has just come back on our list after a long absence. I think it particularly goes well with Elisabeth, they could both have flower nns Daisy & Lily - or is that too much?
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No, it's NOT too much. I've given the idea some consideration as well. :-)
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Compromise?
Why not Elisabella? ;D
Grace, Violet, Lillian / Lily, Marguerite (I'd probably rather Daisy but it might end up being Maggie), Susannah, Clementine, and Claire are all beautiful choices as well.
Why not Elisabella? ;D
Grace, Violet, Lillian / Lily, Marguerite (I'd probably rather Daisy but it might end up being Maggie), Susannah, Clementine, and Claire are all beautiful choices as well.
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Elisabella is fun, but DH wouldn't go for it. Besides, the poor child would be so confused by the different nns Mom & Dad use :)
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Thanks, Elisabeth just seems so much softer to me although I'm surprised how many people in real life don't like it.
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I love both these names. Since Isabella is currently so mega-popular I'd be inclined to choose Elisabeth. It's also classic and timeless, but there wouldn't be so many in the classroom.
It also has so many nns so that she could make it her own throughout life - Elisa, Lilli, Libby. The list goes on.
It also has so many nns so that she could make it her own throughout life - Elisa, Lilli, Libby. The list goes on.
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Thanks, the wide variety of nns is one of the things I find so appealing.
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