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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Wilfred or Gilbert

30 replies

Flowerface · 03/11/2011 13:16

Gilbert would be NN Bertie, I think.

Wilfred I LOVE but our surname begins with F... Does this ruin it? It's almost impossible to say 'Wilf Our Surname', but then he could be Fred/Freddie?

My Mum has suggested Walter. Am I right in thinking she is crazy (or am I crazy - Walt is growing on me a bit, but he'd be Wally, wouldn't he....)

Sorry - stream of gibbering consciousness. Very tired!

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Original poster
Flowerface · 04/11/2011 08:51

No, not really. Our original choice was Arthur, but I think that's a bit popular these days and I would rather it didn't begin with a vowel, as DD's name does (I may be a weirdo, but...). I really don't want anything in the Alfie/Archie vein (i.e. super-trendy cutesy versions of old man names) but would like something slightly different....

I still like Gilbert. I did predict that a lot of people would hate it...

OP posts:
AnonyMaw · 03/11/2011 22:30

I prefer Wilfred. I associate Gilbert with Sullivan, i.e. oldies music. Any other names are you considering?

LottieJenkins · 03/11/2011 21:44

I have a Wilfred! he was named after Wilfred Owen.

exoticfruits · 03/11/2011 21:35

Both dire but Gilbert is the worst of the two. (I know a cat called Gilbert which is OK)

LaFilleSurLePont · 03/11/2011 21:11

I'm not fond of either,but Gilbert is dreadful. Definitely not Gilbert.

usualsuspect · 03/11/2011 19:35

Herbert ?

Bloody Nora

Poor kid

picnicbasketcase · 03/11/2011 18:09

Gilbert - Snotty alien and bloke I knew a long time ago who called his penis by that name.

Wilfred - not keen but a far far better option than Gilbert.

Towndon · 03/11/2011 18:07

Herbie is a great nickname. And the car was cool, anyway (for those of us old enough to remember it!)

Gilbert is a bit gerbily.

Original poster
Flowerface · 03/11/2011 17:58

Is Herbie too reminiscent of the car, though?

OP posts:
Towndon · 03/11/2011 17:52

Yes, Herbert is nicer than Gilbert :)

Original poster
Flowerface · 03/11/2011 17:50

I haven't even read Anne of Green Gables... Clearly I ought to!

OP posts:
LAbaby · 03/11/2011 17:48

Love Wilfred, yes it is an old man name - but aren't they the popular names at the moment? Archie and alfie were old names until they were 'rediscovered'

HappyCamel · 03/11/2011 17:46

Herbie, that's a great nn.

spotty26 · 03/11/2011 17:42

I love both Wilfred and Gilbert. Gil or Bertie, Wilf or Fred, all nice options.

I too was a massive Anne of Green Gables fan, Gilbert Blythe was such a lovely character.

Original poster
Flowerface · 03/11/2011 17:33

Hmm, I do like Herbert...

OP posts:
KatAndKit · 03/11/2011 17:30

I don't like either of them, and now I have seen that series with the pot smoking talking dog, I like Wilfred even less as a baby name!

Gilbert reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, but I think it is very old fashioned and not really due a comeback any time soon.

usualsuspect · 03/11/2011 17:00

both awful names

BiscuitNibbler · 03/11/2011 16:59

Gilbert, nn Gil.

Another Anne of Green Gables fan.

Montsti · 03/11/2011 16:53

Love Freddie (prefer Frederick to Wilfred or Alfred) and Bertie (gorgeous!) but not Walter I'm afraid..

mumeeee · 03/11/2011 15:01

Don't like either of those names . Both make think of old men

Everlong · 03/11/2011 14:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

comedaygoday · 03/11/2011 14:47

Gilbert is lovely. I too think of Anne of Green Gables. Wilfred is also nice, but I prefer Gilbert - more interesting and unusual. Also like Walter. I'd be tempted to see what name best suits your DS.

CandiceMariePratt · 03/11/2011 14:33

Both lovely names but Gilbert nn Gil is my favourite.

Towndon · 03/11/2011 14:26

Wilfred is nice. Not keen on Gilbert, too much like fish gills.

largeginandtonic · 03/11/2011 14:09

Brilliant names. Wilfred is so cool. He could be Red too for a nn.

Gilbert also good. What excellent taste in names you have Grin

Hubert/Herbert also good, nn Bertie.