Is Arabella Really So Bad??

Let me first say that although I'm not actually pregnant now, we're thinking it over and so of course I'm thinking about names, name obsessive that I am. :) So anyway, I recently stumbled across the name Arabella, after not even having known that the name existed. Some names have grown on me over time, but Arabella was a name that I loved from the start. I thought about it all the time, even coming up with the perfect middle name. Ok, a few perfect middle names. But after a while, I realized that there might actually be more problems than virtues for my favorite name. :(
The biggest issue: is Arabella too precious? That's basically what I heard every time I mentioned the name to someone. She could go by Ari or Bella and that would help, but those would not be the names someone saw when they looked at a resume, a class list etc. Would a girl named Arabella be respected in the work force? Would she eventually hate me for giving her such a "frilly" name?
I would really appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons of Arabella.

--Viv

I see what you mean. It is a pretty name, and comes complete with adorable, spunky nicknames. But would an adult applying for a job be taken seriously if all they saw was the name written down? I wouldn't think that Arabella would have any different impressions that Isabella, Gabriella, etc. Maybe just because she's less common than her sisters Isabella and Gabriella, she comes off as more frilly? To me Arabella sounds more like a Disney princess than Isabella and Gabriella do, or I've known real life Isabellas and Gabriellas so I associate those names with real people instead of animated royalty?? I'm not sure what I think so I'm probably not very helpful.

I don't think Arabella is too "precious" at all! Of course, I've also got amazing connections with Arabella. One of my very best friends (she lives in Australia) is named Arabella. She loves her name.
I imagine Arabella as spunky, bright, energetic, witty, sporty and very, very kind (none of these attributes resemble "precious" save kind:)
I think that you love it, you should totally go for it. It's a beautiful name (in my humble opinion ;)

I think that Arabella is beautiful, and to me, it's no different (in terms of frilliness) than names like Isabella (the #2 name in the the US), Annabelle, Mirabelle, Gabriella (also super popular), etc.

Jackie Kennedy and JFK actually used the elegant Arabella on their first daughter, a baby who was unfortunately stillborn. :-( Jackie Kennedy was the epitome of elegance to me, so her use of the name speaks volumes to me.


Annabelle is one of my favorite names in the world, and I wouldn't hesititate to use it on a future daughter (unless it continues to increase in popularity, so I'll have to see). I personally view -belle names (and Arabella) as being feminine, sophisticated, and elegant, and can picture them on doctors, lawyers, architects, and anything professional under the sun.

I personally love Belle/Bella names (although Isabella is too overused for me), and don't find them the slightest bit unprofessional. I'm sure that some people may find them too frilly for their taste, but I'm not in that camp. :-)

Best wishes to you! :-)

viv wrote:Let me first say that although I'm not actually pregnant now, we're thinking it over and so of course I'm thinking about names, name obsessive that I am. :) So anyway, I recently stumbled across the name Arabella, after not even having known that the name existed. Some names have grown on me over time, but Arabella was a name that I loved from the start. I thought about it all the time, even coming up with the perfect middle name. Ok, a few perfect middle names. But after a while, I realized that there might actually be more problems than virtues for my favorite name. :(
The biggest issue: is Arabella too precious? That's basically what I heard every time I mentioned the name to someone. She could go by Ari or Bella and that would help, but those would not be the names someone saw when they looked at a resume, a class list etc. Would a girl named Arabella be respected in the work force? Would she eventually hate me for giving her such a "frilly" name?
I would really appreciate your thoughts on the pros and cons of Arabella.

--Viv

To me, the name is no more frilly than Isabella, Gabriella, or any of the other -ella names. In fact, I think its classic, yet interestingly unique, sound sets it apart from those names, and it offers nice nicknames like those you listed. The name means "beautiful lion," a meaning I think combines its elegance and femininity with a certain fierceness. I first heard the name when I read and watched Ian McEwan's 'Atonement', in which Bryony, one of the characters, writes a play entitled "The Trials of Arabella." I instantly fell in love with the name! I would pair it with more of a classic, plain middle name. For instance, a pairing I have been mulling over is Arabella Jane - I like this, as I think it is still classic and beautiful, but Jane sort of tones down the frill factor on Arabella. In conclusion, I don't think the name is too frilly - I've never met one to ask if it is, however - and I think it is comparable to the other -ella names, Cecilia, Angelica, Angelina, Anastasia, Fiona, and even Sara in the feminine name department. I just like it better than all of those combined! Good luck deciding... :-)

I can't reall think of any bad oint of Atrbell except the NN Bella which I really hate, Ari is really sweet. I think it's a really lovely name.

I like Arabella, but I do think it has the feel of names like Augusta, Priscilla, Victoria, and Georgiana ... a little bit prim, a little bit upper crust ... the sort of name you'd expect to hear on a wealthy, old maiden aunt. But these names are getting a new feel as they come back in style. The only thing I dislike about Arabella is the nn "Airie". It sounds like the nn for a really ditzy person, I suppose b/c of the term 'airhead'. And I do think a girl with this name might be subject to teasing for this reason.

I love Arabella and I wouldn't worry about frilly names there are many and most of them are gorgeous and any women would be happy to own them imo.

I call Arabella a fabulous name; what I mean by that is that someone with that name will be noticed immediately because this name has PRESENCE.

I think it would suit a very confident child and woman. I see a young girl with long hair and a pretty dress walking into a room and being introduced and she swirls around to show off her pretty dress and smiles beautifully, not too precocious, just right.

A woman with the name Arabella has her corporate suit on and when she walks into the room all eyes are on her as she gives her presentation to the corporate world.

You do not overlook an Arabella.

PS Jill I agree with your comment on Jacqueline Kennedy being the epitome of elegance, between her and Grace Kelly they have the field covered on elegance and grace and classiness.

Arabella is one of my favorites. Especially if you anchor it with a middle name like Jack.



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JUST KIDDING!

I adore the name Arabella! I think it's amazing! If I have another baby after this one, Arabella will most definetly be on my short list!

I don't think that it's to frilly. I think that it's the perfect balance of frills and power for a little girl. When I think of an adult Arabella I think of a lawyer, I don't know why but I do. I picture a woman who is powerful but is still very stylish, elegant, and classy.