Message: "Re: Isabeau" - Behind the Name

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Re: Isabeau

by lala

9/5/2004, 9:59 AM

Isabeau is most likely Freanch (the Beau part) and is often used as a pet form of Isabelle to say "beautiful Isabelle". There are records of Henry VIII calling his daughter Princess Elizabeth "dear Ysabeau". So it has something to that effect.

Lala

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- Menke (guest) +2

9/5/2004, 10:27 AM

but that would be very strange as BEAU is male
BELLE would be more logical

- Kat (guest) +1

9/5/2004, 1:33 PM

Thinking that "beau" or "belle" is part of the name is wrong. The ending is "eau" or "elle" tacked onto Isab- and has nothing to do with gender, they're both just diminutives.

- Miss Claire

9/5/2004, 3:14 PM

True, although very often -elle is feminine and -eau masculine.

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