Isabeau is starting to grow on me...but is it a little too "out there?"

[hsort]

I really like the nn's Izzy or Beau for a girl. But is Isabeau a little too quirky? Not a big fan of the more common Isabel or Isabella. Thanks!

[gigigibbons]

I already used Isobel for a middle name and I love it, but I also had not heard of this variation before. And I find Isabeau to be quite charming!! If you like it, I'd use it.

[mollykat78]

I always think Isa boo when i see this name....its not so bad..my daughters middle name is Isabel too

[mkenison]

I actually have a bit of a crush on this name. I love it as an Isabel alternative and best of all is the potential nn "Bo". If it wasn't wildly different than the other names in our sib set, it would be a top contender.

[essjay]

It shouts 'masculine' to me with the -beau ending, so I blame seven years of learning French from stopping me seeing this name as suitable for a little girl. To me, Isabeau is a masculine form of Isabelle, with belle being the feminine form of beau in French. Plus I hear it as 'is a bow' and all I can think of is, well, a bow. I know it's a girl's name but I struggle seeing it as one.

[dawnanawilliams]

I agree with essjay - beau is a distinctively masculine ending in French and it would not translate well, especially if she decided to travel to Europe.

[southern.maple]

Isabeau rings very medieval to me. There is no reason why you can't or shouldn't use it, although you should perhaps know something about Isabeau of Bavaria:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabeau_of_Bavaria

[spinnerette]

I adore Isabeau, it's charming and different but still a real name! I say go for it!!

[lucialucentum]

I don't think Isabeau sounds appealing at all. Very awkward, and I don't like the word 'beau' at all.

[gabriela]

I don't think Isabeau sounds appealing at all. Very awkward, and I don't like the word 'beau' at all.

My thoughts exactly. I also agree with the poster who said it looks like it would be pronounced "Isa boo." It might sound cute on an infant, but that infant is going to grow up and go to high school where I can just imagine the teasing. It also doesn't sound like it would translate to adulthood very well.