Straw Poll: Albert when DS1 is Alfred

[YokoUhOh]

So DS1 is Freddie, Alfred on birth certificate. We liked Freddie/Fred for a little boy but thought he could be Alf/ie later on if he fancied it.

I really like Bertie for DS2. But one of DS's Middle names is Robert, and I'm worried that Albert is too similar (even though they'd be Freddie and Bertie).

Thoughts? Or alternative suggestions? Archie, Casper, Oscar, Joe also on list.

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

I like Bertie but I think Alfred and Albert is a no.

Luckily there are plenty of names Bertie can be short for including Bertrand. I've never heard of it being short for Robert though.

[YokoUhOh]

But in theory it could be short for Robert??

[YokoUhOh]

What about just 'Bertie' on the BC?

[MarshaMallow84]

No sorry you can't have an Alfred and an Albert, just no. Such a shame though because I agree that Freddie and Bertie are both lovely names!

[Xmasbaby11]

Definitely not. Too similar, even the nicknames, both ending in 'ee'

[SilverGiraffe7]

If you like it, just have Bertie on the birth certificate: Freddie and Bertie together is lovely. Suggestions for birth certificate names tho:
Wilbert
Bertram
Bertrand
Engelbert
Egbert
Gilbert

[YokoUhOh]

Thanks everyone, food for thought!

[LaContessaDiPlump]

Far too similar, I'm afraid. However I do know siblings Alfred and Harold - those go together very well I think!

[merrymouse]

Choose another Bert name. Alfred and Albert are too similar and people would mix them up.

I like Bertram.

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

No,you can't.

They may be Al and Al to their friends/wives.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

No. They're far too alike, and as pp says. What if they want go by Al

[Sophronia]

I actually think it's fine, but Gilbert could be an alternative?

[Sophronia]

Or Colbert, Herbert, Hubert, Aubert, Osbert, Wilbert, Bertram, Bertrand?

[disappoint15]

Not forgetting Cuthbert and Norbert.

[Flopsyhopsy]

I do find Albert and Alfred a little too similar.

I also wouldn't have two boys with names ending in -ee (Freddie & Bertie). I much prefer Caspar from your list.

[LadyAntonella]

I probably wouldn't choose two such similar names tbh.

However, I know adult sisters with really similar names (and the exact same shortened version), and it works fine for them. It's kind of become a talking point as they look quite similar and are always together! It's quite nice that they have similar names too. Might not work out that way though I guess.

[BlueChampagne]

Agree too similar, but of course Bertie can be short for Robert.

[TooManyJars]

Herbert - Herbie/Bertie

[MiddleClassProblem]

I'd just go with Bertie if I were you. A few of my friends just went with the shortened version for their kids, pretty normal these days.

[YokoUhOh]

I'm swaying that way, tbh. I've just taught so many 'Joes' and 'Georges', and I wanted something a bit less popular.

The problem with Herbert is, nice as Herbie and Bertie are, a Herbert is another word for a plonker, isn't it?

Thanks everyone, I'll wait and see what he looks like but lots if helpful suggestions!

[Mouseinahole]

Gilbert is lovely and both Bertie and Gil are acceptable shortenings. In parts of the U.K. 'a right Herbert' is the equivalent of a Wally or fool so maybe not so good though Herbie is cute.

[YokoUhOh]

There's a character called Sweaty Gil from The Simpson so unfortunately Gilbert is out too :(

[bigkidsdidit]

Do Robert nn Bertie.

[jellybeansprout]

No, just no.

[Mouthfulofquiz]

I know a family with a Freddie and a Bertie. So they must have an Alfred and an Albert I guess.