Bertie

[southwestlondon]

I would like to name my son Bertie but am not hugely keen on any of the longer versions (Robert/Albert/Bertram etc). Is it weird/unwise to just have Bertie on the birth certificate or do you think he should have a more formal first name for potential use when he's older/in a certain career? I would go for Wilbert if I had to choose one of the longer versions. Thoughts please!

[Jenda]

I had the same conversation with my Mum today and I'm not sure either so not much help! Do like Willbert though. And gives him the potential to be Will if he wanted to. Love Bertie!!

[sugarplumfairy28]

Sorry but not keen on any of it, I think Bertie and think of the bus from Thomas the Tank Engine. I think you should name your children what you intend to call them day in day out, but if your unsure that Bertie would fit all requirements at any stage of life it sounds than it doesn't sound like you're convinced on the name either.

[April2013]

Wilbert, Bert and Bertie are great! And will another option :)

[Sophronia]

I think it's better as a nickname, so I'd have Wilbert as the full name.

[Donge13]

I love it

[SwedishEdith]

Oh, I love it. But when ever I've mentioned that to my kids they've done the "ewww" face.

Egbert, Herbert (actually, could have Herbie then as well which is just as ace).

[mikado1]

You'd know this wasn't an Irish website

[maybebabybee]

I don't see the problem at all with having a nn on a birth certificate, but I am outnumbered on MN there.

[Sunnyshores]

Love Bertie - theres one in DDs Year 10. Fine just as it is!

[pinkchampagne1]

I love it. I would have used it if I had had a third son but as I am too old to have another baby, I named my kitten Bertie instead! Don't let that put you off though, he is a very beautiful cat!

[HolsW]

Just Bertie is fine! Use it :)

[nooka]

Bertie to me is a nickname for a little boy. I don't like nicknames as full names because it doesn't give the child much choice. A Wilbert might choose to be called Bertie all his life, or he might feel that it was a name he would like to be able to grow out of. I guess there is always Bert, but personally I can't imagine using either on something like an application letter or a name plate. I'd also feel a bit embarrassed calling an adult colleague Bertie. Still by the time that the OP's son grows up cute sorts of names may be in the majority and no one will bat an eyelid at them.

[maybebabybee]

Oh here we go, the 'nn' brigade is here.

My DP has a nickname that always gets touted on here as being 'only suitable for a small boy'. He hates having the "proper" version of his name on his BC . Hates it. Doesn't understand why his parents bothered giving it to him as no one has ever called him it. And yes, he has a senior level professional job. No one bats an eyelid at his name.

It's not just him. I know loads of people who are bemused as to why they were given the "proper" name when they were never actually called it.

IRL no one would reject an application form from someone because of their name. I know. Used to work in recruitment and we got all sorts.

[Pagetta]

i must admit i like names with choice - its not so much not liking a nn as the official name, but options are nice!
We have an edward - we call him Teddy, but he can be ed, eddie - or edward! Albert is our fave choice for DS2 at the minute - Bertie is a fab name (so I'm biased on this topic!), but he can be Al, Albie, or Albert.

This is possibly because of my indecisiveness! My DH doesn't like a NN as a name - I am sort of in that 'brigade' - but i also think if you don't like any of the "full name" options then don't use them just to get a NN - because that's what they'll call him at school on his first day, in interviews, and anywhere his name is written - if you like Bertie then go for it!

I don't think anyone else will judge him on his name (there are going to be a fair few Alfie's going for jobs in about 10 years!) but it's if you are happy with it :-)

[maybebabybee]

Good post Pagetta

[Mclaren37]

Yes do give him a long name so that he can chose for himself at some point. How about Gilbert? I know a little toddler called Gil and love it on him. Love Bertie too! (Reminds me of Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables!)

[Mclaren37]

I have an 'ie' ending name that's quite nicknamey and I moaned at my parents for not naming me any of the very obvious longer options. Mum always said she didn't like the longer versions and they just weren't at all fashionable at the time. (They are very fashionable now!)
I think the answer is that, as parents, our kids will always blame us for something haha!

[CrystalMcPistol]

I'm not anti nicknames in general but I wouldn't call a child Bertie. Give the kid the option of a less babyish name in adulthood. But then again Wilbert isn't much better!

[CrystalMcPistol]

Ex Irish Taoiseach (PM) was Bertie Ahern

That's a name that is due a come back!

Not in Ireland! The shadow of that Bertie looms far too large. His name will be dirt for a long time to come.

[Gummibears]

I must admit that I find Bertie just too childish and comicky for a teenager or adult. It sounds like a nickname for Bert to me.

[Gummibears]

I also think this current cutesy name trend (Archie, Charlie, Albie, etc) is going to come to and end and such names might start to sound a little dated.

[Sophronia]

Gilbert is great and much nicer than Wilbert.

[gruffallofriend]

Bertie might sound cute for a baby but I find it too nicknamey as a full name. I too would probably assume a nickname for Bert.

Of all the other 'proper' full names, I prefer Albert and Robert.

[CrystalMcPistol]

Yes. Albert, Robert, even Gilbert, all are better than Wilbert.