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Baby names

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

Alex or Xander ?

63 replies

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 22/06/2023 12:06

Which do you prefer as a shortening for Alexander?
the name is so long that I think it is inevitable that it will be shortened. My husband prefers Alex but I am leaning towards Xander.

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ThroughThickAndThin01 · 05/07/2023 22:00

Love Xander

museumum · 05/07/2023 21:57

sandy

Daisybuttercup12345 · 05/07/2023 21:55

Alex.

Blughbablugh · 24/06/2023 11:57

midsomermurderess · 23/06/2023 16:25

I agree with Sandy. It has a certain elan. I do also like Xander. Who are these chippy people, you’ll find one on very thread, bleating ‘try-hard’, ‘pretentious’. Do not be guided in any aspect of life by people with massive class/social insecurity. It’s so boring.

I know people on here are so over the top about names. You don't like a certain name fine, but don't be so nasty about it!

midsomermurderess · 23/06/2023 16:27

And Sacha is a great call.

midsomermurderess · 23/06/2023 16:25

I agree with Sandy. It has a certain elan. I do also like Xander. Who are these chippy people, you’ll find one on very thread, bleating ‘try-hard’, ‘pretentious’. Do not be guided in any aspect of life by people with massive class/social insecurity. It’s so boring.

Bournetilly · 23/06/2023 15:35

Alex

TheMurderousGoose · 23/06/2023 15:34

Alex.

Xander gives me revoltingly smarmy vibes.

AuntieStella · 23/06/2023 15:32

ColdHandsHotHead · 23/06/2023 15:22

Not Zander. I use to know one and he was a right knob.

Spelt like that, it's a fish! Really don't like it with a "z"

AuntieStella · 23/06/2023 15:31

Sasha or Xander are my favourites, then Alex and Xan or Xand, then Alec, then Al then Sandy and Lex

I like names which have multiple shortenings!

2kids2catsnolife · 23/06/2023 15:30

I was sort of hoping Xander would stick as I'm a massive Buffy fan. But mine is definitely Alex or Ali.

2kids2catsnolife · 23/06/2023 15:29

Rollinghill · 22/06/2023 12:37

Alex. But rename your Alexa app!

As a parent of an Alex, this is an excellent tip!

IWFH · 23/06/2023 15:28

DS1's actual name is Alex. Didn't want to risk anyone calling him Zander 😁.

movein · 23/06/2023 15:25

xander is dreadful. Alex is lovely

ColdHandsHotHead · 23/06/2023 15:22

Not Zander. I use to know one and he was a right knob.

PurpleAirGuitar · 22/06/2023 23:11

I prefer Alex, but I also think it is very much the default. So even if you call him something else when he's young, be prepared for the fact that he might prefer to be Alex when he's older.

Absolem76 · 22/06/2023 20:37

I like Xander I think it's much nicer than Alex but he will probably have his own view when he is old enough

continentallentil · 22/06/2023 20:37

Alex, but I prefer Alec or Sandy

I find Xander low level ridiculous

dollybird · 22/06/2023 20:36

Or just pick one as his name rather than a NN? We have an Alex, was never Alexander. Have been known to call him Al.

ThatWhiteElephant · 22/06/2023 20:33

ThatWhiteElephant · 22/06/2023 20:32

I like Zander.

Oops I meant Xander!

ThatWhiteElephant · 22/06/2023 20:32

I like Zander.

Nutellaonall · 22/06/2023 19:07

Xander to me is silly and pretentious. I like the classic Alex.

TiggeryBear · 22/06/2023 18:58

My Alexander is typically Alex, but is often also called Als or Ali.

springtome · 22/06/2023 18:28

Comefromaway · 22/06/2023 12:18

Alex, Xander sounds a bit poncy.

I was thinking the same thing. It's a bit pretentious for me.

WhisperingAutistic · 22/06/2023 18:24

toastofthetown · 22/06/2023 13:04

I prefer Alex, though my favourite diminutive is Sacha/Sasha.

Agree with this
I really don't like Xander.