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I like it, and Arabel - can't stand Bella or Ella either. Ara? Bel?

It's nice. Always reminds me of royalty although, as I've mentioned before, can come across as pretentious. As for nick names, possibly Ari, Ara, or Aria.

Rare classic that's ready for revival. I like Ari as a nickname. Belle and possibly Ellie could work too.

I think it's absolutely magnificent. It's easily in my top 10 for girls...I like the combo Arabella Jane. It's very English, and very aristocratic, and I think it's great that it's finally coming back into popularity after 100 years of obscurity. I can see this name on anyone. Yeah, I wouldn't use a nickname for it...especially not Ella. And Bella, as cool as Bella Cullen is, well Bella's also the name of a labradoodle I know of and the nickname of Bellatrix Lestrange...although I suppose she kind of makes it punky. Ella's just too trendy for my tastes. But you keep on loving Arabella! Maybe one day you'll name your daughter this, thus adding one more beautiful name to the world!

It is the only -ella/-bella name that I like and I absolutely love it. I too hate Ella and Bella as nicknames and that would probably stop me ever using it for a real life child. I just could not deal with having a kid who could feasibly become a Bella...ick. I have a niece named Arabella and I see her all the time so it is pretty much out for me anyhow. She gets called Ara for short which I think is sweet but I prefer it without a nickname.

I think it's a lovely name. I don't care for Bella and Ella as nicknames for it since I'm pretty tired of both names.

If you could successfully keep Arabella from being called Bella, I'd like it. I despise the nickname Bella, so pretty much every -bella and -belle name is not attractive to me.