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Baby names

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

Original poster

Please knock some sense into me

114 replies

Heavystream · 12/09/2018 18:57

I’ve posted before about a name for DS but nothing seems right. Anyway DH suggested Alan as a joke, and I actually like it!. I’m a big fan of names that everyone knows but just aren’t used anymore, is Alan acceptable? And if it isn’t are there any similar names that are acceptable?

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Justkeeprollingalong · 12/09/2018 19:42

Great name and Al is a great shortening.

thecatsleftpaw · 12/09/2018 19:42

I prefer Allen, but also like Alan.

I didn't realise I liked it until your thread Grin

Goostacean · 12/09/2018 19:41

I know one Alan. He’s about 30 and a total hottie. So the association depends on who you know...!

IggyAce · 12/09/2018 19:40

Nothing wrong with Alan, I know a Colin who is now 9 but don’t know any young Alan’s.

Singlenotsingle · 12/09/2018 19:39

Better than all these trendy new names, surely? I know a Cosmo, a Quba and a JJ. What sort of names are those!?

BertrandRussell · 12/09/2018 19:39

That's what they said about the name my mother was desperate to call me. She was laughed at, told it was too old fashioned and would never be OK. That I would be teased and bullied. The name? Emily!

SelinaMyers · 12/09/2018 19:38

I taught an Alain and I’ve taught a Colin. Every time his name came up with colleagues though someone commented on naming a baby Colin.
John is my favourite boy’s name but I feel it’s deffo more classic/timeless than Alan.

Original poster
Heavystream · 12/09/2018 19:38

I think we’re gonna go for Alan!

OP posts:
Nellyelora · 12/09/2018 19:37

I quite like it. When he's in his mid-20s there will be lots of little Alan's and he'll be supercool

SunshineAllTheWhile · 12/09/2018 19:36

A toddler named Keith! Grin

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 12/09/2018 19:34

Alan will never come back round! Like Jason, Nigel or Darren won't.

Singlenotsingle · 12/09/2018 19:33

Alan (Allen?) Carr
Alan Shearer
Alan Partridge
Alan Titchmarsh
Alan Rickman

It's a fine name.

AnyaMoondial · 12/09/2018 19:32

I really like it Smile

Disfordarkchocolate · 12/09/2018 19:31

I like it too. Andrew is my favourite 'A' name but Alan is good too.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 12/09/2018 19:28

Alan is a fab name. My dad was an Alan named after Alan Ladd Grin

Jagblue · 12/09/2018 19:28

My H is called Stephen and I love his name very popular back in the 60's.
Alan it's nice. All names come back.

Fwend · 12/09/2018 19:28

I like it, and I think you're just ahead of the name curve.

Maybe he'll be friends with Victoria Coren-Mitchell's little girl Barbara! Same style. Smile

thewinehasgonetomyhead · 12/09/2018 19:27

I also like Allen!

Original poster
Heavystream · 12/09/2018 19:24

I mean I quite like Colin, Dennis and Brian as well!. I have a DS called John so maybe it’s just my taste to go for middle aged names!. I do have an Arthur and Lorcan as well though

OP posts:
EdWinchester · 12/09/2018 19:23

Noooo! You can't call a baby Alan.

Classic old-man names came back into vogue because they are just that - classic.

But Alan belongs in a 1960's vault along with Colin, Dennis, Nigel and Brian. Just awful.

Original poster
Heavystream · 12/09/2018 19:21

I think I might end up having a baby called Alan!

OP posts:
StripyDeckchair · 12/09/2018 19:20

I don't think there's anything wrong with it and I think it could be cute for a baby/toddler.

Alec, Alban or Andrew as alternatives? Or Amias or Alonzo - a bit more unusual but both great names I think.

Susannach · 12/09/2018 19:20

I know three little Erics, and that’s such a middle aged name to me. But you get used to it. I actually agree with you — Alan has a nice sound.

Original poster
Heavystream · 12/09/2018 19:16

I’m gonna ask DH what he thinks. I think the sound is really lovely!

OP posts:
BertrandRussell · 12/09/2018 19:16

There were over 300 last year so he won't be the only one in the country!