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Baby names

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

Original poster

Edward or Alexander

36 replies

Sunshinemum12 · 02/08/2023 18:43

We've finally managed to narrow down our list and arr deciding between either of these first names for our son, due this month. Middle name is John. Which first name do you prefer, Edward or Alexander, which sounds more classic to you? Thank you in advance!

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Original poster
Sunshinemum12 · 04/08/2023 15:05

Super helpful comments, thank you!

OP posts:
user1492757084 · 04/08/2023 04:34

Both very handsome.
I love Edward John together best.

Just as nice - John Edward.

midsomermurderess · 03/08/2023 23:56

Alexander. I like Sandy and Sasha as shortenings.

greenmarsupial · 03/08/2023 15:29

I have an Edward, decided against Alexander as I suddenly started hearing 'Alex' everywhere for boys and girls. I wasn't all that keen on Xander either but do love the full name.

BarnacleBeasley · 03/08/2023 15:16

I think you should pick Edward if you don't like Alex. You won't be able to control what nicknames he (and everybody else) uses.

Daisymay2 · 03/08/2023 15:14

Can’t help, I have one of each. Alexander’s middle name is John though and it works.
he has been known as Alex, Al, AJ, Sandro at various times. Edward is known as Ed, Eddie , EJ or Ted depending on who he’s with. Never Teddy (cringe) though.

VenusClapTrap · 03/08/2023 15:00

I prefer Edward. Never liked Alexander; it’s too long.

Original poster
Sunshinemum12 · 03/08/2023 14:09

Oh my goodness, thank you everyone for your helpful responses! Tricky to find a clear winner but good to know we can't really go wrong either way! Husband is Greek so Alexander translates across which is a bonus but surname is long so worry it might be too long and not a big fan of Alex! Edward is a name that runs in my side of the family. Hmmm may have to wait until he arrives and he can let us know what we should call him! Thank you again x

OP posts:
PeanutButterOnToad · 03/08/2023 03:03

Alexander

Theoldwoman · 03/08/2023 02:54

Depends on surname? Any siblings?

Both great names, don’t like Alex much though, Or Eddie, Ed is okay.

Love both full names.

Edward slightly better.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 03/08/2023 01:52

My friend has a one year old Edward, it's a nice solid name so I'd go for that

PurBal · 03/08/2023 01:01

We very nearly had an Alexander John. But we decided against it. I prefer Edward (but couldn’t use it) as Alexander is a few too many syllables and I like being able to use the “full” name.

BasiliskStare · 03/08/2023 00:55

Edward any day of the week - but I don't think you can go wrong with either.

continentallentil · 03/08/2023 00:28

They are both classic.. and very popular

Alexander nn Sandy or Al

Coffeeandcakemum · 02/08/2023 22:23

Alexander

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 02/08/2023 22:08

Lovely choices - I can see why you are having a hard time picking! Both work with John and both are timeless classics so you can't go wrong for your DS in that regard (they are both always in the top 100 historically so no- one will be able make any assumptions about DS background or age which as a nice benefit to a name imo).

Both also benefit from lots of nn choice if he happens to dislike the full version too - though having said that most Alexander's and Edward's still seem to go by Alex and Ed respectively, so maybe think about what diminutive you like best or dislike the least! Certainly as a 4 syllable name, Alexander is very likely to get shortened and you'd probably need to introduce DS as something different from the beginning - Xander or Teddy etc, if you want to decrease the chance of Alex or Ed.

LlynTegid · 02/08/2023 21:18

Edward goes better with John I think.

Hanasmother · 02/08/2023 21:17

Edward, of course! it's historical, elegant and to be honest i'm so obsessed with this name :)

thegreylady · 02/08/2023 20:59

Edward

Beebops3 · 02/08/2023 20:58

Alexander.

greenthumb13 · 02/08/2023 20:40

Edward!! My son is an Edward. Such a sweetie 🥰

Dombasle · 02/08/2023 20:38

Alexander.

Lilypickles1 · 02/08/2023 20:23

Edward

Hawkins009 · 02/08/2023 20:23

Alexander
Due to the historical Alexander the great.

SirSidneyRuffDiamond · 02/08/2023 20:22

Edward by a country mile. Lovely name.