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Baby names

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

Original poster

Herbert or Wilbert

40 replies

Dawnypops · 12/11/2011 21:47

baby due any day now and we still haven't decided on a boys name. We both really like Bertie but can't have the obvious 'Robert' as we gave our first little boy that as his middle name.
So our current favourites are Herbert (I really like the nn Herbie too) or Wilbert. Hubby not keen on Albert as he says it is a nickname for a piercing in a certain part of a man's anatomy (!)
So which is the nicer name, Herbert or Wilbert. Which is the least likely to get his head kicked in at school? First son is called Monty by the way.
Thanks

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bigbluebump · 14/11/2011 11:22

Congratulations - Herbert James sounds lovely and elegant!

OhDoAdmit · 14/11/2011 08:37

Congratulations!

You can just call him Herbie if you like. You dont have to use the full version.

My Billie wasnt called Whilamina, we just christened her Billie. Same for Rudy. Didnt use Rudolph.

Your baby, you can do what you like. No law saying you have to use a long name and shorten it.

How lovely though - a baby! Grin

VivaLeBeaver · 14/11/2011 08:28

Congratulations.

James Herbert is a crime writer isn't he?

belgo · 14/11/2011 08:04

Congratulations! Lovely nameSmile

lisaro · 14/11/2011 01:48

I know, Pootle, for some reason missed the last page.

MonsterBookOfTysons · 13/11/2011 23:41

Congratulations! I was going to post and say you have to use Herbie. It is great.
stern look
Grin

PootlePosyPumpkin · 13/11/2011 23:38

Bit late Lisaro!

lisaro · 13/11/2011 23:37

Please don't. He may as well go to school with a target on his back if you name him either of those.

PootlePosyPumpkin · 13/11/2011 23:16

Congratulations!

BibiBelle · 13/11/2011 21:41

loooooooooooooooove it!! congratulations!

mopsyflopsy · 13/11/2011 21:40

Congratulations!

girliefriend · 13/11/2011 20:56

Congrats Smile

Original poster
Dawnypops · 13/11/2011 20:45

Thanks all for your thoughts, baby Herbert James arrived last night. He just looked like a Herbie so we made our minds up when we saw him.
We're now getting a mixture of comments from friends and family :) Seems people either love it or hate it!
x

OP posts:
Rhubarbgarden · 13/11/2011 20:23

Herbert is a word for a buffoon in some parts - "he's a right Herbert".
Wilbert is just daft.

BarbieDahl · 13/11/2011 15:45

sorry, don't like either

GretaGarble · 13/11/2011 15:42

I don't often post on babynames but feel compelled to say I think both names are a little silly. I hope you're not offended! I can remember liking bonkers names when I was pregnant myself.

I also don't get the whole nickname-main name thing. Choose a name, shorten it if it comes naturally. I don't think you can preordained a nickname.

Maybe I am weird though because I've never bought into the whole dread of "but what if Thumbelina wants to be a judge? You must put Mary on the birth cert" - I never heard of anyone saying "I couldn't possibly be a judge with a name like mine."

motherinferior · 13/11/2011 15:00

Bertram.

Or Bertrand, if you're feeling Gallic.

Sorted.

RosemaryandThyme · 13/11/2011 14:56

I quite like Bertie but think its' a bit odd to pick the nic-name then to go round trying to find a full name that somehow matches - either name him Bertie or choose a completely different name.

bigkidsdidit · 13/11/2011 14:46

Blimey.

I have a Bertie, an Albert, and even I think those are awful

Just go with Albert if you like it, lots of names can be shortened to rude things by determined children!

Or Robert.

But Bertie and Monty together is a bit cutesy

tiptoptally · 13/11/2011 14:38

Both absolutely awful.

If you have your heart set on Bertie, I'd either just use Bert on its own, or reuse Robert.

mopsyflopsy · 13/11/2011 11:40

If you already have a Monty I'd really not name his brother Albie/Bertie/Herby - I'd go for a more 'solid' sounding name personally.

But I do think that Herb as a nickname for Herbert could work.

usualsuspect · 13/11/2011 11:36

awful names

he will never forgive you when hes a teenager

HoneyPablo · 13/11/2011 11:33

I don't like either but am strangely drawn towards Bertram. It doesn't sound too twee and would suit a child as well as a teenager and an adult. And you can shorten it to Bertie.

belgo · 13/11/2011 11:29

Gilbert or Robert.

rachel1970 · 13/11/2011 11:29

Also, if you already have a Monty, I'd not team it with another -y or-ie name, it sounds too twee imo. But Monty and Herb works well imo.