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Baby names

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Original poster

To avoid initials?

80 replies

NHT · 22/03/2026 18:27

Hi all,

My husband and I are dead set on our baby’s name being Freddie (Frederick for birth certificate probably). We’d also want the middle name to be after his brother (Alexander). We’d like the middle name to have meaning to us but neither of our dad’s names would suit. Only problem is, our surname begins with a T.

Adding another middle name to break up the initials would make it very long, and as I said we just don’t have any names we feel really strongly about so it would be adding for the sake of it.

Would really appreciate thoughts as we’ve been set on this name for years but the initials are making me second guess now…

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LittleRobins · 23/03/2026 20:44

I agree. I would either change the middle name or add a short second middle name. My kids both have two middle names and it’s never been a problem. Maybe something like Sam or Leo?

pambeesleyhalpert · 23/03/2026 20:24

I would use Wilfred instead

angelaEhen · 23/03/2026 20:13

I have a Freddie and he's initials are FAB he is 15 and no one so far has noticed

Eeyorefan · 23/03/2026 20:05

ohtobethin · 23/03/2026 10:54

FAP?

that’s ok, isn’t it?

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I’d Google fap before you think it’s ok😱

SemiRetiredLoveGoddeess · 23/03/2026 19:59

How about Ian. Good chat up line for the ladies in later life. Yes l am really FIT

Sorry, l.know this is really corny. But l couldn't resist

Ramblingaway · 23/03/2026 19:47

BauhausOfEliott · 22/03/2026 19:00

Just don’t make it Robin or Rory.

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😂At times like this the taking away of the laughing emoji is a tragedy.

Groundhogday2025 · 23/03/2026 19:40

It’s better than Freddie Alexander Reginald T-surname, but even so I’d try to break it up or remove completely if I were you. The fact you’re worried and asking says to me that it would always be a niggle in the back of your head.

Passenger42 · 23/03/2026 19:33

Drop the name Alexander and choose a different second name, and explain to brother although you wanted to use it you didn’t want to lumber him with FAT, he will probably roll around laughing. You might use it later if you have another son.

LHP118 · 23/03/2026 19:18

Nope. Anything close to a word or abbreviation will be used/abused.

Our DS has initials ADH...somehow people keep saying ADHD! We didn't see that coming.

beadystar · 23/03/2026 18:56

mummysmagicmedicine · 22/03/2026 18:32

Don’t do it- my work email is first middle and last initial so if he worked somewhere similar, email would be [email protected]

Don’t do it. I had this in a former workplace and some poor woman’s email was TIT@companyname.

iwishiwasonacruise · 23/03/2026 18:54

Don't do it! My son is called Frank and almost had the middle name Albert with a T surname. He's now 18 and has a private numberplate and said he would be so angry if his initials were FAT 🙈

Dollymylove · 23/03/2026 18:50

TeenToTwenties · 22/03/2026 18:34

Frederick Algernon Trotter(9?) aka Fatty in the Secret Seven (I think).

You just can't.

You could have Ian - FIT
Or Alexander Frederick known as Freddie though using middle names is a pain. AFT.

Or a second middle name - Charles? - FACT.

That was exactly my thought when I read the OP.
You are correct, Fatty was one of Enid Blytons characters, I can't quite remember which stories he appeared in 😆

franklymydearscarlett · 23/03/2026 18:44

I immediately thought of Frederick Algernon Trotter aka Fatty from the Enid Blyton mystery books as well.

I would go for Xander OP if you can, for the middle name.

Gentlesquids · 23/03/2026 18:44

GoldenRosebee · 22/03/2026 18:34

Frederick Xander - short form of Alexander

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Typo quoted in error sorry

WhatMyNameis · 23/03/2026 18:07

Name him what you like; don't tell any school his middle name.

ohtobethin · 23/03/2026 10:54

BeanQuisine · 23/03/2026 03:06

You could keep those names and change your surname, but not to Peterson.

FAP?

that’s ok, isn’t it?

Easterbunnyishotandcross · 23/03/2026 10:28

Don't add Robert in there...

user1492757084 · 23/03/2026 10:21

Alternatives to FAT..

Do you like Eddie EAT?

Some are funny.
Frederick Alexander Sean FAST
Frederick Alexander Rex FART
Frederick Alexander George FAGT

Add another short name
Frederick John Alexander T
Frederick Charles Alexander T

Right2BareArms · 23/03/2026 09:32

@ChocolateCinderToffee , I'm taking that you aren't known by your middle name. I am and it's a PITA.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 23/03/2026 03:09

I would just name him Alexander Frederick and call him Freddie.

BeanQuisine · 23/03/2026 03:06

You could keep those names and change your surname, but not to Peterson.

Pettenell · 23/03/2026 02:50

No don't do it. Like others have suggested, you can have an alternative full name for Freddie, though I would still be concerned that people would assume his first initial is 'F', so even then I wouldn't use Alexander in the middle.

ohtobethin · 23/03/2026 01:48

I think the obvious solution is to go for Alfred, known as Freddie, rather than Frederick.

You seem more set on the Freddie part, rather than Frederick anyway, as you say “probably” Frederick on birth certificate.

there is also Wilfred or Manfred but they may be a bit out there. Alfred is nice, and Alfred Alexander is nice.

Also gives option of using Al or Alfie as nicknames as well.

mathanxiety · 23/03/2026 01:36

Frederick John Alexander
Frederick James Alexander
Frederick Paul Alexander
Frederick Jude Alexander
Frederick Charles Alexander
Frederick Jay Alexander
Frederick Max Alexander...

How about inserting a short name between Frederick and Alexander?

cocog · 23/03/2026 00:40

No don’t do that to your son pick another middle name to go before Alexander or swap names round