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Baby names

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

Original poster

Why does everyone hate the names...

67 replies

SadieAB9 · 06/10/2018 16:02

Wilfred and Wilbur?

I think they're both so cute, quite soft sounding, in my head would suit a little boy and a gentleman! But I only seem to hear negative things when I mention them. Wilfred has lovely nicknames (wilf, Freddie) and Wilbur may be the pig from Charlotte's Web but is that really so bad?

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GreenDinosaur · 06/10/2018 17:52

I quite like Wilbur. I think Wilfred is awful, sounds like you can't choose between William and Frederick but clearly loads of people love it as I know a few babies and toddlers by that name, I'd say it was pretty popular.

RuthW · 06/10/2018 17:39

Wilfred is one of my favourite names.

sproutsplease · 06/10/2018 17:36

I like Wilbur, but then I like Theodore a lot.

powercutie · 06/10/2018 17:26

Wilbur is adorable!

saganorenscarandcoat · 06/10/2018 17:23

Everybody doesn't hate those names. I love them.

RavenWings · 06/10/2018 17:13

I think they both are really ugly sounds and will date badly. I do think Wilfred is nicer and if I had to use one, it'd be that. But it's because he then has an escape route available and can just go by Fred or Freddie...

ReginaPhalange89 · 06/10/2018 17:09

I'm not keen on either, sorry ! I agree with previous comments that they're old fashioned but not in an appealing way like some others have made a comeback

MrsFoxPlus4 · 06/10/2018 17:03

I woujdnt date people & judge on the name their no

sonlypuppyfat · 06/10/2018 16:58

Would anyone ever date a Wilf

teletuby · 06/10/2018 16:58

Not keen on either! Sorry!

NarcolepticOuchMouse · 06/10/2018 16:55

Wilbur is my favourite of the two. Wilfred I find a bit too dated.

Disfordarkchocolate · 06/10/2018 16:51

I love Wilf(red).

Aimarge · 06/10/2018 16:51

My Mum used to call my brother's penis his Willy Wilbur Grin

LeftRightCentre · 06/10/2018 16:50

That's because they're hamster names.

flumpybear · 06/10/2018 16:50

I think old fashioned names are a but marmite! I cannot abide any old fashioned Grandad or grandma names like those you mentioned, George, Fred, Arthur etc ... just not by cup of tea at all, but that's just me - others would hate the names I've chosen for my kids .... I love them though, we chose two names in 2006 when we first ttc, luckily had a boy and a girl as we had one of each name, so that worked well - never looked back don't worry just go with what you both like

finallychangedmyusername · 06/10/2018 16:47

I like both. I probably slightly prefer Wilfred for the nickname Wilf. Obviously everyone has their own personal name preferences and dislikes however I must say, I haven't ever heard anyone in real life ever say they strongly dislike either.

EdWinchester · 06/10/2018 16:45

Wilbur in particular is quite mimsy.

averythinline · 06/10/2018 16:44

I like Wilfred with wolf or will as NN not keen on Fred though...
Wilbur is a pig unfortunately!
Fraser has that same soft sound ..

BackIntoTheSun · 06/10/2018 16:43

I really like Wilfred/Wilf

ThursdayLastWeek · 06/10/2018 16:42

Wilf is surprisingly common. I can think of three 5yo Wilfs in my acquaintance.

cheesefield · 06/10/2018 16:39

Wilbur - pig.

Wilfred - Elderly farmer with a red face and a drinking problem.

namechangedtoday15 · 06/10/2018 16:37

Agree that Wilbur comes from 'wild boar' so associated with a pig!

I don't like Wilfred either - there's a danger it'll get shortened to Fred (which I don't like) although Will is ok. I think Wilfred is quite feminine too.

Sunflower321 · 06/10/2018 16:30

What's a Wally? A Willy?

Racecardriver · 06/10/2018 16:30

I like them but I can't not think oh Guinea pigs when I hear them

Peachbubble · 06/10/2018 16:27

I really like Wilfred, not so much Wilbur, but don't hate it.