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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Alexander really, really popular?

60 replies

Bear2014 · 06/04/2017 14:47

We're due our second child this summer and it's been double-confirmed today to be a boy. We are fairly set on the name Alexander as it has strong family connections on my side (baby will have OH's surname) and we can't seem to agree on any others, as we have very different name tastes.

Just having a wobble about if it's too popular, really. There is one in DD's nursery group but no others that we know. We live in London.

Big sis is Eleanor.

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Oysterbabe · 06/04/2017 17:57

It's been consistently a top 20 name for about 20 years. It's popular but not top 5 popular and it's not faddy.

carbuncleonapigsposterior · 06/04/2017 17:54

One of my sons is an Alexander, shortened to Alex it's inevitable that Alexanders end up with a shortened version. Mine is 30 now, I'm glad the name is still popular it's very classic A word of warning all the Alex's I have encountered, a few, mine being no exception, seem to have been challenging, at times Hmm

BeanSprout79 · 06/04/2017 17:40

It was always going to be my baby boys name til my sister stole it! I love Alexander and would definitely use it if my sister hadn't.

Jecan · 06/04/2017 17:29

I have one too and there are a few others around but it's not super popular. He gets his whole name at home but is mostly Alex at school. It's still my all time favourite boys name

GreedyDuck · 06/04/2017 17:29

I'm considering Alexander if I have a boy, I think it's a lovely strong sounding name. My only issue is that I don't particular like any of the diminutives (apart from Sasha, and I fear that marks me out as a bit of a ponce).

I can't get worked up about whether or not it's too popular. I know a handful, spread across the generations, but it's hardly up there with Dave or John. In my corner of Nth. London it'll make a refreshing chance to all the Herbies and Dexters tbh.

HabbyHadno · 06/04/2017 17:19

We really like Xander too, but we thought if we went for the full name we'd have a choice if we/he didn't like Xander later on.

HabbyHadno · 06/04/2017 17:12

I'm going to have an Alexander too this Summer. It's the only name me and DH agree on.

britespark1 · 06/04/2017 17:10

Erm, not really at the moment tbh!

BuntyFigglesworthSpiffington · 06/04/2017 17:09

I'm sure your Xander is utterly un-twitish!

britespark1 · 06/04/2017 17:07

Ha Bunty! No problem. He is only 5 and I'm sure Alex will end up being what he chooses anyway Wink

BuntyFigglesworthSpiffington · 06/04/2017 17:01

Eeek, x-post with britespark.

Soz!

BuntyFigglesworthSpiffington · 06/04/2017 17:01

I love the name Alex. In my experience adult Alexs are always really handsome!

Hate Alec and Sandy though and utterly, utterly loathe Xander. Xanders are all smug twits.

But Alex/ander is great! :)

britespark1 · 06/04/2017 16:59

That's my eldest DC's name and we love it. We call him Xander for short (can you guess my favourite tv show?!). Only ever come across one other at school, albeit ours is a small one.

Fifinella · 06/04/2017 16:46

It was the 4th highest boys name in London in 2015 (after Mohammad, Oliver and Daniel) according to the ONS. Though I only know 1 Oliver and 1 Daniel under 4 so maybe my area just has all the Alexanders!

Fifinella · 06/04/2017 16:41

I'm in South London and yes, there are a lot. I have a 1 year old Alec and I still absolutely adore his name but Alex/Alexander is a consistent name at all baby groups I've been to for the last year; babies have come and gone but there's always at least one Alex or Alexander (as well as mine!).
It doesn't have to matter though, it's because it's a good solid name 😉

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 06/04/2017 16:34

I like Alec too, also Aleric.

Oly5 · 06/04/2017 16:34

Don't know any, also south east.
I love it!

Thatextrainch · 06/04/2017 16:31

South East. I'm really not exaggerating but I have three friends with an Alex under 2. There's also at least 3 at a playgroup we go to (we wear name badges)) and at least another two at the library rhythm time (we sing a song introducing ourselves). It is an anomaly though- Alexander wasn't top 10 in 2015. Where I live boys seem to only be called one of Alexander, Ben, Tom or Oliver otherwise have a very uncommon names.

Original poster
Bear2014 · 06/04/2017 16:06

Thatextrainch where do you live?

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Original poster
Bear2014 · 06/04/2017 16:05

Lots of positivity - thank you! I like Lex as a nickname. Also like Alec, as it is the Scottish side of the family that the name comes from.

OP posts:
Thatextrainch · 06/04/2017 16:04

I know more toddler Alexander's than any other boys names. It has got to the point where I have to refer to them as 'Amy' s Alex' etc. My sil is also planning on calling her baby Alexander - I'm hoping she has a girl as I can't cope with any more(!)

mouldycheesefan · 06/04/2017 16:02

No I don't know any.
Love that name,it's what I would pick if I have had a boy

Allthebestnamesareused · 06/04/2017 15:58

My oldest - 24 is one. (Alex for short). Originally going to be called James but there seemed to be loads. However when he went to school he was 1 of 4 Sad. However youngest (15) only has 1 in his year group

GreenShadow · 06/04/2017 15:36

We have an Alexander, and yes, we do come across quite a lot of other ones.... (but partly I guess, because we notice them)

EweAreHere · 06/04/2017 15:35

I know several, but it's a really nice name.

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