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Baby names

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

Original poster

Alberta

57 replies

MooritRomney · 10/01/2022 22:49

We cannot decide on a name for the baby and seem to be running out the clock on registering her. We have a short list, but can’t make up our minds.

Alberta is a very meaningful family name but it’s a bit outré and I’m not sure … I love it pronounced in Spanish (ahl-bear-ta) less so in English. I think Bertie and Albie are adorable nicknames but … is too much? Do we think 9,14 and 23 year old Alberta will hate it or she won’t care because she goes by a nickname?

We have other children with traditional names that are also from the family, but they’re all more common than Alberta.

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UserBot989 · 11/01/2022 08:26

Does it not sound dated in Spanish, like Angustias or Elvira? I'd check on that.

Alberta with Alba for short works beautifully though especiallyl if you have a connection to Canada

EmpressaurusWitchDoesntBurn · 11/01/2022 08:21

I think Bert’s a really ugly sound (also Albert, Robert etc are pretty awful) but I know a lot of MNers disagree on that.

OlafLovesAnna · 11/01/2022 08:18

I love it!

My daughter has a pretty unusual name and it's never been a problem for her. It gets remarked on sometimes then just becomes normal.

Do it!

freelions · 11/01/2022 08:15

I really like it!

melonhead · 11/01/2022 08:12

I think it's totally wonderful.

WakeUpLockie · 11/01/2022 07:56

It was on our list. I know an Alberta in her 20s now, goes by Bertie, v cool. Although I despise Bertie for a boy Grin. Took it off the list because I don't really like the concept of feminised boys' names for girls from a feminist standpoint, although Alberta makes me think of Canada and exploring and adventure.

KiloWhat · 11/01/2022 07:54

Love it, was tempted to use it for DD but DH has 2 girls and I didn't want people thinking we wanted a boy Albert.

oncemoreunto · 11/01/2022 02:24

There are many nicer Spanish names that aren't Canadian areas.

britcanmam · 11/01/2022 02:23

Yeah no, don't call baby girl that. I live in Alberta and it's landlocked and cold AF.

Kokeshi123 · 11/01/2022 02:20

Really dislike. It's a very squat-sounding name, like a large scary Aunt in a PG Wodehouse novel. And it can't be shortened to anything nice.

Are there no other Spanish names in the family you could consider instead?

AuntTwacky · 11/01/2022 01:28

No!

MrsEricBana · 11/01/2022 01:05

I know a fabulous Alberta so it's a yes from me.

MrsTerryPratchett · 11/01/2022 01:04

It will not be pronounced the Spanish way by 99% of the people who read it.

StrychnineInTheSandwiches · 11/01/2022 01:03

It's quite austere and Victorian. I wouldn't fancy being an Alberta.

DramaAlpaca · 11/01/2022 01:00

I think it's dreadful. I wouldn't thank you for it, or Albie or Bertie.

Santaisstilleatingmincepies · 11/01/2022 00:47

Is your surname Balsam?

Buttercup54321 · 11/01/2022 00:16

Terrible. I really dislike it.

Moonlaserbearwolf · 11/01/2022 00:03

I love it, though I would pronounce it Al-bur-ta. Will you get fed up of hearing strangers pronounce it differently to you?

Fluenty · 10/01/2022 23:53

I love it. Wouldn’t think anything much or anything negative if I heard it, so surprised at some reactions
I love the nn too

LoveFall · 10/01/2022 23:06

For your listening and viewing pleasure.

Four Strong Winds sung by Neil Young with some awesome shots of Alberta, Canada.

I used to play my guitar and sing this song around the campfire during summers at a lake in BC where lots of Albertans had cabins.

DamnShesaSexyChick · 10/01/2022 23:03

I really like it

LoveFall · 10/01/2022 22:59

Yes, it is a Canadian province. It is right next to British Columbia. The Rocky Mountains and the towns of Banff and Jasper are in Alberta, although the Rockies are shared with BC.

Calgary and Edmonton are the main cities. It is a beautiful province.

I believe it was named after one of Queen Victoria's daughters.

I think Alberta is a nice name but as a Canadian it did kind of sound odd as it is the name of a province.

ErrolTheDragon · 10/01/2022 22:56

It's rather ponderous. Sounds like someone who'd be wearing corsets and a bustle.

Which probably means it's slightly ahead of the trend. HmmGrin

MeredithGreyishblue · 10/01/2022 22:55

I would have loved a name that could be abbreviated to Bertie for a girl. Or even just use Bertie.
It's not so cute on a boy and I had 2 of them!

HerRoyalNotness · 10/01/2022 22:55

I have an Aunty Bert (Alberta) she’s the only one I know. I like her, therefore I like the name. Subsequently there seems
To be some type of Canadian connection in her family, not sure what though (she doesn’t live there)