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Baby names

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Original poster

Rhys or Alex?

42 replies

ecossegirl91 · 10/02/2025 20:05

just that really - Rhys or Alex for baby boy? Most likely Alexander on the birth certificate but called Alex.

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MiddleAgedDread · 13/02/2025 11:30

I really like both. Alexander Rhys might work depending on your surname?

NefiBlw · 13/02/2025 09:42

@justanotherposterfrom , the name is difficult to pronounce/spell if you don't know Welsh. It's great as a Welsh name, which is probably why it's so popular.

justanotherposterfrom · 12/02/2025 22:29

Alexander all the way!
I have an Alexander, he's always been known as Alex.
Because it's a popular name in many countries there are many diminutives of the name that you might like.
The only one I don't like is Al.
Rhys could be confusing to pronounce outside the UK.
Some people are lazy and they will give up on trying to spell it if it's not familiar.

NefiBlw · 12/02/2025 19:15

@ecossegirl91 , you know how Scottish people say Whyte and it doesn't sound like Wight, the Rh vs R is a bit like that (only RH not WH obvs.)

The non-rhotic 'rees' version is awful.

Namechangedatheist · 12/02/2025 19:12

I have an Alex (aged 27) so I'm prejudiced 😁 - but Rhys is a good name too.

KnickerlessParsons · 12/02/2025 19:10

NefiBlw · 12/02/2025 13:44

@KnickerlessParsons , there's no H in it. 3 letters RH, Y and S.

Well yes, I agree. But the English wouldn't understand 😁

bluebunnys · 12/02/2025 16:21

I agree about Alex sounding boring. There are just so many around, both Alexandras and Alexanders. It's not a very memorable name - like Mike or Steve.

Rhys, on the other hand, sounds interesting and I've only ever me one (so remember his name)

MrsSunshine2b · 12/02/2025 14:45

I much prefer Rhys, I've never liked Alex. It somehow sounds corporate and boring.

KayEmAy · 12/02/2025 14:13

You can't choose wrong but I just love Alexander

NefiBlw · 12/02/2025 13:48

@LookingAtMyBhunas No I wouldn't. It has no R in it for me to roll, and no 'oo' sound.

Ribeebie · 12/02/2025 13:45

Alexander. But much prefer Xander as the shortened version

NefiBlw · 12/02/2025 13:44

@KnickerlessParsons , there's no H in it. 3 letters RH, Y and S.

KnickerlessParsons · 12/02/2025 09:36

Rhys, if you pronounce it properly. The h is aspirate.
(So it's not pronounced like grease)

Original poster
ecossegirl91 · 12/02/2025 09:24

Oh no not Ross, too many in Scotland including my boss 🤣

OP posts:
LookingAtMyBhunas · 12/02/2025 09:21

With that Welsh spelling anyone who knows or is Welsh themselves would pronounce it 'Rooce' with a rolled R, if that changes anything.

NefiBlw · 12/02/2025 09:08

@ecossegirl91 , how about Ross?

The issue with Rhys is that Rh is a single letter in Welsh, and it sounds like R and H said at the same time, and the Y isn't 'ee', so it sounds weird when said as Rees if you know dozens of Welsh men called Rhys.

It sounds particularly bad to my ears when said as Rees with a non-rhotic R.

Original poster
ecossegirl91 · 12/02/2025 08:55

Alex seems to be fave!
it is mine too but I thought Rhys was a little different! Certainly in Scotland.
@Clearinguptheclutter im sure you’ll hate the way Scottish people pronounce Rhys 🤣🤣

OP posts:
NefiBlw · 11/02/2025 15:17

@Clearinguptheclutter , it's awful isn't it. Someone suggested 'Geffen' when DC was on the way. I said I knew too many to use it. Grin

NefiBlw · 11/02/2025 15:14

@bluebunnys , unless you are Welsh. I know far more people called Rhys. It was hugely popular for about 50 years in Wales. it's about as fresh as Mark or Harry.

It also sounds different in Welsh, and it's an old Welsh name.

Alex has many diminutives. Can be Alex, Alec, Xander, Sasha, Sandy.

DramaAlpaca · 11/02/2025 14:43

I really like Rhys.

bluebunnys · 11/02/2025 14:37

Alex might be more international but there are just so many men and women called Alex.

Rhys is much more memorable!

PearlClutzsche · 11/02/2025 09:22

Alexander/Alex - International and historic classic!

Viviennemary · 11/02/2025 08:37

I like Alex much better.

Clearinguptheclutter · 11/02/2025 08:36

I like both but as a welsh person it grates on me when English people can’t say Rhys properly. It just can’t be replicated by an English person, I went through all this with DH when we were trying to agree on what to call ds! If you are ok with the English pronunciation it’s fine though

pambeesleyhalpert · 11/02/2025 08:34

Alex. Or Aled if you're after a Welsh vibe like Rhys