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Baby names

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

Original poster

Archie & Alfie

116 replies

Ijustcannotdecide · 06/08/2020 14:20

Are these names suitable for all ages?!?

DH loves both - I much prefer Archie

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doadeer · 07/08/2020 21:03

[quote Ijustcannotdecide]@doadeer

I feel the same - I am no means a chav, never been called that in my life. Do not live in a ‘chav’ area and those names around me are not what I would call ‘chav’ names

Alfie is more popular than Archie, I have never actually heard a child called Archie but I suppose every area is different[/quote]
Well my son is called one of those names and his cousin is called the other! So I'm clearly bias! We live in an area where it's about 1.5 million for a semi-detached house so I can guarantee we aren't what would be described as "chavvy" which is a horrible word.

Everyone always comments on how much my son suits his name it's always followed by an awwww. I know a successful adult Alfie who is lovely and it doesn't seem silly at all... It sounds cool.

Names are so personal. Just go with what you like! You can always find 10 people who love it and 10 people who hate it!

Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 21:03

@Rachel247

Again not sure Archie is an old name - men of 50/60/70 and even older are called Archie.

Yes it may have become more popular recently but it is hardly a name that was never heard of say 50 years ago.

OP posts:
Rachel247 · 07/08/2020 20:59

unless you stick with James, Henry, Edward etc all names date to some extent.

There are lots and lots more boys names that haven't had a massive and rapid surge in popularity that will inevitably cause them to become dated as they fall out of fashion!

Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 20:56

@doadeer

I feel the same - I am no means a chav, never been called that in my life. Do not live in a ‘chav’ area and those names around me are not what I would call ‘chav’ names

Alfie is more popular than Archie, I have never actually heard a child called Archie but I suppose every area is different

OP posts:
Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 20:29

@Peterbishopssarcasticsmile

I could not agree more - unless you stick with James, Henry, Edward etc all names date to some extent.

It is finally need to read some nice comments about the names - our family member called Archie was a lawyer and never once was held back because he had a cutesy name

OP posts:
TheoneandObi · 07/08/2020 20:23

I know an Alfie in his early twenties who is quite likely to become a professor of Art History. He's managing with his cutesy name. There comes a point where people are judged by their abilities and qualities, not their names
That said, the name always reminds me of the Shirley Hughes books

imissthesouth · 07/08/2020 20:18

A little overused I think, at least where I live. They're cute names though. Unfortunately the only Archie I've ever liked was a dog

Peterbishopssarcasticsmile · 07/08/2020 20:15

The snobbery on this thread is hilarious.
ALL names date one way or another, it's the nature of trends and cyclical popularity.
I like the idea that some of the particularly snobby posters on here are under the impression that their chosen names are timeless classics. There's no such thing really.

doadeer · 07/08/2020 20:13

@frenchfancy81

Both seen as a little 'chavvy' where we live?!
Where do you live?

I'm in an affluent part of north London and they aren't seen like that at all here!

CharlieBoo · 07/08/2020 20:13

@Ijustcannotdecide my sons Charlie and it’s suited him from a baby, a toddler, a little boy and a teen.. take no notice of negative comments, everyone has an opinion on names but if you love it, go for it.. and good luck x

doadeer · 07/08/2020 20:11

I like them both and I know lovely grown men with these names. I love them. I like Alfie more

Sawyersfishbiscuits · 07/08/2020 20:06

I know an Archer known as Archie

MikeUniformMike · 07/08/2020 20:05

Echoing @Rachel247, I've worked with people from other countries and yes, it helps if the names work, but I can't see much problem with Archie and Alfie.

It's usually the native English speakers who struggle with names, in my experience.

Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 20:04

@CharlieBoo

Finally nice to hear a nice comment!! Thank you after all the negative ones!

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CharlieBoo · 07/08/2020 20:00

My sons best friend is Archie, they’re 15... he is Archibald on birth certificate but honestly when is he ever going to use it.. he’s Archie! No one has ever called him anything else!!! It’s a great name on all ages and all classes

Rachel247 · 07/08/2020 15:25

Sorry study or work abroad!

Rachel247 · 07/08/2020 15:25

Do they need to travel well into other languages? Not sure that is really a requirement when picking a child’s name

Because in an increasingly global world your children may well want to stupor work abroad!

Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 12:40

@Rachel247

Do they need to travel well into other languages?
Not sure that is really a requirement when picking a child’s name - most people would just go with a name they like

OP posts:
Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 10:06

@tmh88

Ha did really love it until I saw all the hatred for them both. So shocked to be honest ha

OP posts:
Rachel247 · 07/08/2020 09:18

They don't travel well into other languages either!

Toilenstripes · 07/08/2020 08:36

They are both distinctly British names. Archie is probably the best of the two.

babynamelover · 07/08/2020 08:34

Personally no they don't work for all ages, yes for a baby, under five and maybe up to 10 as a full name but after that I don't feel they are strong names for teens and adult men.
I always think it's best to use the long version on birth certificates you can't predict who your child will be or which nickname they would suit/prefer it just gives them choices!

tmh88 · 07/08/2020 08:05

@Hiccupiscal if you really love it I wouldn’t let it put you off! Like I said on this thread my grandad is 80 and called Alfie he isn’t a “chav” or “common” he’s the loveliest man you could wish to meet and suits his name!

Original poster
Ijustcannotdecide · 07/08/2020 05:25

@frenchfancy81

Sorry where do you live? I don’t understand how a name can be chavy - surely it’s the people who are chavy rather than a name.

Chavy is such an awful word

OP posts:
lovemyname · 07/08/2020 02:52

I know 3 boys under 12 called Alfie and their mums - all nice boys and the mums are most definitely not screechers!!

I only know one Archie and he is in his 40s, he's also the only reason I don't like the name Archie.

OP, no matter what name you choose someone will have a negative opinion on it. Personally I think both names are suitable for all ages and also to have the 'short' version on the birth certificate.