Less-Popular Alternatives to Isabella

Isabella took just eight years to hit the top 100 after returning to the top 1000 in 1990. Isabella then reached the top 10 in 2004. Isabella sounds like a classic that can't date, but if you don't want to use a dated name, then its dramatic rise is something to consider. Regardless, Isabella has been popular for over 20 years and, thus, might feel overused for many parents. Factors contributing to Isabella's success include:

  • Its elaborate four-syllable structure.
  • Its split-nickname quality. Isabella can shorten to Izzy or Bella.
  • Its first initial of "I". Not too many names start with "I".
  • Its mid-"b" sound also found in Abigail and Gabriella.
  • Its double-"l" quality thanks to the stylish "ella" ending. 
  • Its regal feel. There was a Queen Isabella of Spain back in the day.
  • Its connection to a classic name. Isabella is related to Elizabeth.
  • Its Italian heritage. 
Here are ten names that contain some of the features listed above without being in the top 100 or sounding too weird:
Arabella (#197)-Arabella has ranked in the 100s since 2014. Arabella is another four-syllable name that shortens to "Ari" and "Bella" as Isabella splits into "Izzy" and "Bella". To be brief, Arabella can still go by "Bella", though it won't make the most difference. The mid-"b" sound and stylish "ella" ending is preserved in Arabella as well. Plus, as Isabella is to Elizabeth, Arabella is related to Annabel.
Beatrix (#986)-Beatrice is on the rise, yet Beatrix just recently entered the charts. Beatrix has the strong "b" sound of Isabella. Beatrix connects to classic Beatrice as Isabella is to Elizabeth. Plus, as Isabella splits into "Izzy" and "Bella", Beatrix splits into "Bea" and "Trixie". Both names shorten to a nickname ending in "a" as well as one ending in the "ee" sound.
Catalina (#189)-Catalina elaborates on Catherine as Isabella does to Elizabeth. Catalina also has the same elaborate structure and split-nickname quality as Isabella. Catalina can shorten to "Catie" or "Lina", yet "Cat" and "Callie" are also possible nicknames. Catalina serves as an update to the dated Caitlin as well. 
Henrietta (unranked)-Henrietta has the same regal feel as Isabella via Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. Henrietta Maria was originally Henriette Marie, though. Henrietta also has the same elaborate four-syllable structure and connects to the classic male name Henry. Its ending of "etta" is similar to "ella" as well. 
Isadora (unranked)-Isadora simply replaces the "bella" with "dora". Isadora shares so much with Isabella-its first initial, split-nickname quality, ability to shorten to "Izzy", and its elaborate structure. Despite its similar structure to Isabella, Isadora will not be confused with it. 
Isolde (unranked)-Isolde is tied to a medieval princess from Arthurian legend, so it sounds regal. Isolde starts with the "I" of Isabella as well. As with Isadora, girls named Isolde can still go by "Izzy". Isolde has never ranked in this country and will probably stay that way for a while. 
Luciana (#395)-Luciana elaborates on classic Lucy by adding two more syllables, which relates to Isabella's connection to Elizabeth. Luciana also has the same Italian heritage as Isabella. Luciana can shorten to "Lucy" and "Ana", though Lucy is not a traditional nickname. 
Mirabella (unranked)-Mirabella, like Arabella and Isadora, share nearly everything with Isabella. It has an Italian heritage, an ending of "ella", can shorten to "Miri" or "Bella", four syllables, and a mid-"b" sound. Mirabella is very rare at the moment, like Henrietta, Isadora, and Isolde. In fact, it has never ranked here. 
Priscilla (#620)-Priscilla can split into "Prissy" or "Cilla" as Isabella splits into "Izzy" and "Bella". Yet, those who don't like "Prissy" can simply shorten it to "Pris". Priscilla also have a double-"l" quality from its "illa" ending, which sounds similar to "ella".
Sabrina (#391)-Sabrina has the same Italian heritage and mid-"b" sound as Isabella. Sabrina was popular not too long ago, but it still works for girls born today. Besides, it wasn't even popular for very long. Sabrina shares Isabella's "s" sound and "a" ending as well. 
What are your favorite alternatives to Isabella? What alternatives would you add?

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