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Baby names

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

Original poster

Wilf as stand alone name.

43 replies

User278832 · 01/03/2018 14:03

Just that really. Does Wilf work as a stand alone name or does it sound ‘incomplete’ to you? I like Wilf but I’m going off Wilfred.

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Iwasjustabouttosaythat · 02/03/2018 01:05

It’s incomplete and sounds very silly.

SpikeGilesSandwich · 02/03/2018 00:46

Not too bad but people will assume it's short for Wilfred. Wilfred is getting popular, I know three already, lots of Alberts, Stanleys and Ernests too.

daisypond · 01/03/2018 19:40

I don't think it works as a stand-alone name. If Wilfred is a no-go, could you consider something like William Freddie (first name and middle name) with a nickname of Wilf?

SuburbanRhonda · 01/03/2018 19:26

I agree it sounds like a noise.

Ilovemybaby91 · 01/03/2018 19:24

My daughter is Pippa, everyone said I should use the full version (Phillipa) but I just didn't like it, to old fashioned & I don't regret it. So odd to imagine her as Phillipa! I think Wilf is lovely, I do see the pro to the full name as mentioned above so he can choose Fred/Freddie if he didn't like Wilf but ultimately your baby & your decision. Smile

CatsForgotPassword · 01/03/2018 17:36

I think it’s fine.

DreamingOfAHotBeach · 01/03/2018 17:05

Cool*

However, Wilfred would give your son shortening options when he's older. If he doesn't like Wilf, he could be Fred or Freddie.

DreamingOfAHotBeach · 01/03/2018 17:04

My dog was nearly called Wilf, and he would have been just Wilf.

It would definitely work as a standalone name. Wolf is similar and that works. Wilf is classic but also contemporary, cook sounding.

Echobelly · 01/03/2018 17:04

I'd always go for naming with full name, so they have the option. Our son is known by his short name everywhere, but it's not his given name.

GreenTulips · 01/03/2018 16:49

The Oxford Reading tree has a Wilf in the main stories - due a comeback?

Laquila · 01/03/2018 16:46

It’s lovely, but brace yourself for twenty years of people asking you whether it’s short for Wilfred.

Agustarella · 01/03/2018 16:42

I don't think it's a 'proper name' on its own, but it's kind of cute.

Helpimfalling · 01/03/2018 15:49

My friends sons called wilf always predictive makes it wild

He is wild though

KellyBailey · 01/03/2018 15:47

I'd go for Wilfred then he has the option to use Fred/Freddie later in life if he doesn't like Wilf.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 01/03/2018 15:45

It sounds like a noise, I agree with pp.

Elfyn · 01/03/2018 15:43

I like Wilf more than Wilfred. Nice name!

IVflytrap · 01/03/2018 14:31

It sounds incomplete to me, sorry. Also sounds a bit like the sound a dog makes.

Icantreachthepretzels · 01/03/2018 14:11

It sounds compete enough to me - more complete than just 'Will' as an example of a similar shortened name. I know MN has an obsession with proper names on a birth certificate so you can have options!!!!! but honestly, it's three extra letters - and offers the option of 'Fred'...so it's not really worth going for if you don't love it.