Is Bell short for anything?
Yes. Bell is a nickname in most old records, and it usually points to Isabella. Less often it stands in for Isabel and Arabella. Expect it in American, British, and Scottish records, mostly 1700s-1900s. A record that says Bell and a record that says Isabella can easily be the same person, so search both names before you rule anyone out.
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FAQs
Is Bell a nickname?+
In old records, almost always - it stands for Isabella or Isabel. Treat it as a pointer to a formal name until the documents prove otherwise.
Is Bell a real name on its own?+
It mostly rode on Isabella in the eras we track (1700s-1900s). If your ancestor's papers only ever say Bell, record it as written and keep Isabella as a candidate.
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