My husband and I are currently in a (friendly) battle between [name]Estella[/name] and [name]Isla[/name] for our baby girl arriving next month. [name]Isla[/name] is the strongest contender, as my husband loves it much more than I do [name]Estella[/name] (or [name]Isla[/name], for that matter), and you berries have been very helpful as I weigh the pros/cons of this name and any alternatives that he might agree to instead. My main issues with [name]Isla[/name] and my lack of commitment to it have been: trendiness/datedness, pronuncation issues, inability to nickname, and (short) length.
I recently came across the name Isola–and while it isn’t listed on nameberry as a name, I do see that it has popped up in forums over time. It seems like a lovely alternative to [name]Isla[/name], and would also give us the 3-2-1 syllable package I know is so friendly-sounding to our ears.
But I do have questions about it. Most importantly, how is it pronounced? I can think of so many variations and am not sure which is most common? And which syllable is emphasized? I would also love to know if you know any Isolas? What you think of the name? Would the nicknames [name]Lola[/name] or [name]Izzy[/name] be too much of a stretch? Would you find it depressing because it looks like isolation?
Honestly, I don’t know the correct way to pronounce it, but I would be inclined to pronounce it “eye-soul-uh”, with the most emphasis on the second syllable.
I think izzy and [name]Lola[/name] would be cute nickname options, and not a stretch.
I don’t find it depressing at all…isolation didn’t cross my mind at all until you mentioned it.
Isola is very visually appealing and has some good nicknames. I think the nicknames could aid in the desired pronunciation too, but there are quite a few ways to say it. Other ideas: [name]Isotta[/name], [name]Isaline[/name], [name]Isabeau[/name], [name]Isaura[/name], [name]Iselin[/name], [name]Isolde[/name] / [name]Isolda[/name], [name]Iseult[/name], [name]Isis[/name], [name]Isadora[/name], [name]Ismene[/name]
If one of your hang-ups with [name]Isla[/name] is pronunciation issues, then Isola doesn’t solve that problem! I’d say that MOST people know how to pronounce [name]Isla[/name], whereas I’ve already noticed that several pps have already brought up this issue or the problematic pronunciation of Isola - and Berries are way more knowledgeable about pronunciation than the general population.
Maybe you’d like:
[name]Nola[/name] (on it’s own, as as a nn for [name]Magnolia[/name])
[name]Lola[/name]
[name]Isobel[/name]
[name]Isadora[/name]
[name]Isolde[/name]
[name]Elsa[/name] (on it’s own, or as a nn for [name]Elisabeth[/name]…or, nn [name]Elsie[/name])
[name]Zola[/name]
I don’t really love Isola (it just sounds kinda ugly to me), and I agree with nat108 that [name]Isla[/name] would have less pronunciation issues…I would just go with [name]Isla[/name]. But, if you are sold on Isola, [name]Lola[/name] is a cute nickname and not too much of a stretch. I like claireelise’s suggestion of [name]Isadora[/name]…
Isola doesn’t sound right to me, it makes me think of isolation.
And I like [name]Isla[/name], a very pretty name. If you want something longer, maybe Iliona or [name]Isolde[/name] would be a good alternative? Or [name]Isolda[/name] if you prefer a-endings.
Have you considered [name]Ione[/name] or [name]Iona[/name]?
I would say Ee-suh-luh…no idea if that’s the right way to say it!
I don’t think isolation would’ve occurred to me.
[name]Do[/name] you like [name]Ayelet[/name]?
I have no problem with Isola, I like [name]Isla[/name] slightly better, but it’s not a fave.
Maybe [name]Viola[/name]? [name]Calla[/name]?
I’m saying it ee-so-luh and I do prefer it to [name]Isla[/name] quite a bit. [name]Isla[/name] has just never sat right with me, it’s a nice sound I guess, but so “airy” that I have trouble with it as a name with substance. [name]Isis[/name] on the other hand, I adore.
That said, I dont know if this solves pronunciation issues or just creates more! I think I slightly prefer [name]Isolde[/name] to Isola.
It does however open up some other nn options ([name]Lola[/name]!)