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Baby names

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Original poster

Straw Poll: Albert when DS1 is Alfred

31 replies

YokoUhOh · 28/04/2016 15:41

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.

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Original poster
YokoUhOh · 02/05/2016 17:59

Robert is a definite possibility, Rupert = Murdoch in my book so unfortunately I wouldn't go near it Grin

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1horatio · 02/05/2016 17:57

*son
The son of a woman

Oops Grin

1horatio · 02/05/2016 17:56

Freddie and Bertie is so lovely.

I really like Bertram. And to my non-English expat ears Bertie sounds like a perfectly reasonably nn for a little Robert and Rupert. You could probably also go for Herbert... (but I personally don't like this name).

I'd personally go for Robert or Rupert. The of a woman in my pregnancy yoga class is called Rupert. His nn is also Bertie :)

Twooter · 02/05/2016 16:26

I think it's fine if you stick to nicknames. Love Bertie.

Original poster
YokoUhOh · 02/05/2016 16:24

I say Al-FRED, equal emphasis. Also, his name's Alfred nn Freddie, I prefer Alfred to Frederick, and he might fancy changing it when he's older if he prefers another shortening (he prefers Freddie at the moment).

I agree that Al/Bert/Fred won't work.

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disappoint15 · 02/05/2016 15:04

Freddie is most commonly an abbreviation of Frederick, not Alfred. If you think about it, shortenings tend to be the stressed syllable of a name. We don't say Al FRED, it's ALfred and that's why Alfred is usually abbreviated to Alf or Alfie. Bertie, however, is often from the unstressed Bert in Albert.

Mouthfulofquiz · 02/05/2016 14:54

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

jellybeansprout · 02/05/2016 14:41

No, just no.

bigkidsdidit · 02/05/2016 14:00

Do Robert nn Bertie.

Original poster
YokoUhOh · 02/05/2016 13:56

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

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Mouseinahole · 02/05/2016 08:53

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.

Original poster
YokoUhOh · 02/05/2016 07:26

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!

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MiddleClassProblem · 01/05/2016 20:28

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.

TooManyJars · 01/05/2016 20:24

Herbert - Herbie/Bertie

BlueChampagne · 28/04/2016 21:49

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

LadyAntonella · 28/04/2016 20:08

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.

Flopsyhopsy · 28/04/2016 18:50

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.

disappoint15 · 28/04/2016 18:36

Not forgetting Cuthbert and Norbert.

Sophronia · 28/04/2016 17:49

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

Sophronia · 28/04/2016 17:45

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

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 28/04/2016 16:17

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

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 28/04/2016 16:10

No,you can't.

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

merrymouse · 28/04/2016 16:07

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

I like Bertram.

LaContessaDiPlump · 28/04/2016 16:05

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

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YokoUhOh · 28/04/2016 16:04

Thanks everyone, food for thought!

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