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Baby names

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

Original poster

Baby name update - (Alpha)

136 replies

paulinesmithson · 28/01/2023 21:31

This is an update post to the baby name thread I started a few weeks ago deciding whether or not to use the name Alpha for my DD (due March).
If you haven't already read the post, to sum up:
My grandfather Alfie passed just before we found out we are expecting my DD and I wanted to use the name Alpha to honour his name.

There were many mixed opinions but we have settled (DH and I) on the name Alfa.

Its spelling isn't the same as the version with all the bad connotations and I think using the f instead of ph is closer to Alfie anyway so this seemed like the best name we could find. DH is fully on board with the name and we plan to use the nickname Alf too which I think is so cute!

OP posts:
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NotSoLittle · 29/01/2023 00:40

What about Aphra (af-ruh) like Aphra Behn?

Original poster
paulinesmithson · 29/01/2023 00:24

Eatentoomanyroses · 28/01/2023 22:35

I’m pretty sure your grandfather wouldn’t thank you for this.

Did you know him personally?

OP posts:
ShockedAndAwake · 29/01/2023 00:02

Are people trying to come up with the snidest comments they can. The post suggesting that the OPs dead grandfather wont thank her for calling her daughter Alfa is particularly nasty. That's a sick thing to say to someone who so recently lost their grandfather.

I
There is nothing wrong with saying you don't like the name but there is no need to be so spiteful.

mathanxiety · 28/01/2023 23:33

Alfie is a very soft sounding name that would be fine for a girl. Alfa isn't outrageous - its better than Alpha.

NotABeliever · 28/01/2023 23:32

Am I the only one who thinks "A for Alpha"
When hearing the name?
I completely agree with previous posters who say to call her Alfie. It's hardly a masculine name. It can be very cool on a girl.

Ryanstartedthefire2 · 28/01/2023 23:26

I love it! And yes Alf such a cute nickname.
Agree Alfa fits better than Alpha for a girl. It's pretty and original

Basilthymerosemary · 28/01/2023 23:25

Oh my goodness. I read through your original alpha choice and thought the crazy skin wearing people in the walking dead, then thought trying a name to be top dog....
Then read that you've decided on Alfa ... nickname Alf... and just can't get the alien character from the 90s out of my head!!!

It's your choice OP but be prepared for raised eyebrows and judgments.

Scottishknitter · 28/01/2023 23:24

I like it!

Pearfacebanana · 28/01/2023 23:23

I'm glad you updated I always wonder what people choose!

YukoandHiro · 28/01/2023 23:22

Jesus you lot are being really harsh.

It might not be what you'd choose but people inhabit their names. Nigella Lawson was clearly a bold choice by her parents but nobody is balking at that now - she's just Nigella and the name embodies her

whatausername · 28/01/2023 23:17

Why are you thinking more of your grandfather than of your daughter?

You can literally think of no other way to "honour" him than this? The (tbh bit of a token and dated) action of imposing a dead person's name on your daughter (someone who will, hopefully, have many decades of life left)?

DorisHatt · 28/01/2023 23:16

I am a teacher seeing it on a register... going down my list of names for a new class

... so they have given her the word Alpha but not spelt it right ....
... or the car for some reason...
... or (which was my first thought) the first part of Alfafa...

... I then might hear no, it's Alf ... and think ok, that funny furry alien wise guy... or an old bloke from Home and Away, or any other man really... and on I'll go with the register.

But you have decided your preference outweighs your daughter having her own name that will be hers and her story. I am sure we look forward to the third thread.

CharlotteRose90 · 28/01/2023 23:15

Could you not do Elfie for a girl, same way of saying it just the female version. If you name your child Alfa they will forever spell it alpha and when she calls anywhere they will say oh A for alpha on the phonetic alphabet. You are signing her up for bullying.

maddiemookins16mum · 28/01/2023 23:08

It’s stupid. People will say it’s stupid too, just not to your face.
All those saying ‘oooh I like it’……they’d never call their own wain that name.

So, be prepared for every new person you meet to say ‘sorry what’ and then either ‘oh’ or a bemused silence.
Plus prepare your child for this to also happen for the rest of her life.

How anyone can get to adulthood and think that a made up name for a child is a good idea is beyond me.

MrNook · 28/01/2023 22:43

Become*

MrNook · 28/01/2023 22:43

She might because a big F1 fan!

MissMarplesbag · 28/01/2023 22:42

nameberry.com/babyname/alfreda

Alfa is made up and awful at least Alfreda is an actual name.

NiceUnusualDifferent · 28/01/2023 22:42

What about Freddie? That's cute for a girl and similar

MrsTerryPratchett · 28/01/2023 22:40

Jarnsaxa · 28/01/2023 22:00

If you're definitely set on Alfa can I suggest looking at this list of genuine ancient Anglo Saxon female names? There's a few of them that have a similar sound and they are genuine names even if they are a bit archaic.
My favourite is Aelfwyn. Think that's lovely and guarantee you won't come across another one.
Saxon female names

That is beautiful. Unique and lovely.

Alfa on the other hand <shudder>

moonwitchmum · 28/01/2023 22:37

How about a name like Alfreda, Althea etc and called Alfa as a nick name

Eatentoomanyroses · 28/01/2023 22:35

I’m pretty sure your grandfather wouldn’t thank you for this.

FirstnameSuesecondnamePerb · 28/01/2023 22:31

Is it so different to Alana? Or Briana?

MaireadMcSweeney · 28/01/2023 22:30

It's so so so bad. Please reconsider.

Notplayingball · 28/01/2023 22:29

As in Alfa Romeo?

Lanicholla · 28/01/2023 22:26

Twillow · 28/01/2023 22:19

Well aren't people rude!
I love it, congratulations Flowers

That's what I'm thinking 🤔 if it's not traditional you'd get absolutely shot to bits here