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I think it's okay as a nickname for Annabelle, Isabelle, or other -belle or Bel- names, but it seems too insubstantial and cutesy on its own. I feel the same way about Bella. Bella is closer to other names, such as Ella, Ava, and, of course, Isabella, that are typical for girls these days. Longer names (2+ syllables) are more in vogue for girls in the U.S., which is probably part of why Bella is popular and Belle is not.

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Belle might become popular as a nickname, but I don't see it becoming popular as a first name. I think a lot of people will probably just stick with Bella, Annabel / Annabelle, Isabella, and Isabel / Isabelle.

This message was edited 6/6/2011, 3:38 PM