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Baby names

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

Original poster

Alexander, NN Sasha

37 replies

Corvuscorone · 28/02/2016 18:18

Ds is due in early April and we are struggling to make a definite decision on a name. We both like Alexander but I have known so many people called Alex, both male and female and I'm just not keen on it. Dh and I travelled in Russia for our honeymoon and had a lovely male guide called Sasha but I'm concerned that it is seen as much more of a female name here in the UK. Is it inevitable that Alexander would end up an Alex?

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EssentialHummus · 28/02/2016 18:50

Possibly a different Russian name? Many have great NNs.

AuntieStella · 28/02/2016 18:50

Because there are so many possible nicknames for Alexander, I think people do (usually) listen to which one you are using.

Sasha is a great nn, and is usually spelt that way by Russians and other Eastern Europeans, and there are one or two in each of my DC's year groups. No teasing, I wouldn't expect it any more than a Charles known as Charlie would be teased because some Charlottes use it.

PS: recommend spelling Xander if you go for that nn, as Zander is a fish.

originalmavis · 28/02/2016 18:46

I've not met a female Sasha, just boys. We're in London.

Jw35 · 28/02/2016 18:44

Personally I love the name Alex and it's my boy name if this ones a boy! I'm trying to decide whether to use Alexander or just have Alex! Anyway to answer your question, I think Sasha is a girls name and he might get teased. I also woul never imagine it as a nn for Alexander in this country.

Original poster
Corvuscorone · 28/02/2016 18:28

If he were to decide to be Alex when he is older I would accept that. I don't dislike it to that degree. Thanks for your replies, I feel slightly encouraged!

OP posts:
originalmavis · 28/02/2016 18:27

You could end up with a completely random and unrelated nickname anyway (like DS).

Alexander - Zander - Zan - Zanno - Zed -Zeb - Zebedee - Z - E - Eyore - Piglet etc etc etc.

AuntJane · 28/02/2016 18:26

Sacha is also a diminutive for Alexandre in France

Original poster
Corvuscorone · 28/02/2016 18:24

Really don't like Zander/Xander or Al and Dh isn't keen on Sandy.

OP posts:
originalmavis · 28/02/2016 18:24

We've got a few (male, Russian) Sashas at DS's school. I've not met many Alexandra's in aong time.

zazie7 · 28/02/2016 18:23

I don't think it's inevitable. I've known Alexanders who have gone by the full name or by Xander. Sasha is a lovely unusual nickname and if people are introduced to him as Sasha then that is what they will call him.

However if you really dislike Alex I wouldn't choose it as your son may well decide he wants to go by it at some stage.

NameAgeLocation · 28/02/2016 18:20

I know a boy Sacha which is the more common male spelling.

I think Naomi Watts has a son Sasha for Alexander.

originalmavis · 28/02/2016 18:19

Could be a zander, al or sandy.

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