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Baby names

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

Original poster

Wilfred - what do you think? Seems old-fashioned at first, but growing on me...

40 replies

hellomc · 18/06/2009 09:59

After all, you can shorten to 'Wilf' or have optionality to go 'Wil' or 'Freddie' if they prefer. I think they are all quite cool. 3 names for the price of 1?

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stainesmassif · 30/06/2009 20:32

love it. we have an alfred...aka 'alf' and 'alfie' (also alfie bear, not sure if that's going to stick though)

random · 30/06/2009 20:14

Its awful ...I hate old mens names ...

pippylongstockings · 30/06/2009 20:13

My nephew is called Wilf - I do like it but it's a litle twee name goes his best friend Jude very well tho!

piscesmoon · 30/06/2009 19:59

I hate it-but then I hate all the 'old men's names', Stanley, Reginald, Alfred, Albert etc.

twosofar · 30/06/2009 19:45

oops

twosofar · 30/06/2009 19:45

I have a 21 mth DS called Wilfred who is known as Wilf or Wilfie. My family were sceptical at first but I stuck to my guns and now it's just him. I have never had a negative reaction..just the opposite in fact... everyone says they think it's wonderful and I just can't believe that every single person I meet can be an excellent liar. Like you we figured he could be Wil once he's a teenager, but he really really suits the name. Do it if you like it, I can recommend it!

twosofar · 30/06/2009 19:44

I have a 21 mth DS called Wilfred who is known as Wilf or Wilfie. My family were sceptical at first but I stuck to my guns and now it's just him. I have never had a negative reaction..just the opposite in fact... everyone says they think it's wonderful and I just can't believe that every single person I meet can be an excellent liar. Like you we figured he could be Wil once he's a teenager, but he really really suits the name. Do it if you like it, I can recommend it!

TsarChasm · 28/06/2009 12:20

I'm going to be the lone voice of dissent here and say no.

But I really really dont get the current trend for elderly ironic names.

I suspect they are going to look as dated as the generation of Kylie's or Tracy's in years to come.

Firawla · 28/06/2009 12:11

I like it, the meaning is so nice and the sound is cute. old fashioned are back in fashion i dont think a wilfred would be teased at all

Frasersmum123 · 27/06/2009 18:23

Love it!

Tambajam · 27/06/2009 06:19

Gaining in popularity round here with good reason. It's nice.

Momdeguerre · 27/06/2009 06:16

Love it - we are also mad about Wilbur for same reasons and I prefer the abbreviation of Bertie to Feeddie.

gibbberish · 27/06/2009 00:07

Please no. My fil (who is 75 or 100 or thereabouts) is Wilfred and is known as Wilf. Say no more.

fruitstick · 26/06/2009 23:45

There was a Wilf at the health centre last week. It sounded lovely.

cthea · 26/06/2009 23:35

Not keen on Wil(fred) but Freddie is cute.

Bonneville · 26/06/2009 23:34

Yes a good proper name.

womma · 26/06/2009 23:31

I like Wilf

Merle · 26/06/2009 06:52

It's a great name. (We have one, spelt the old-english way). It has the advantage of being a name that most people have heard of, but which is not over-popular- he'll be the only one in the school. If you look back at the records for the past century you'll see that there have only been a few years when there have been over a thousand registered in England & Wales. It's also been nice to have a lot of people say 'that was my grandad's name' - so I think that people tend to have fond associations.

Momino · 18/06/2009 22:38

i really like it - have an uncle Wilf and would have liked to use the name but 1) it wouldn't go with our surname beginning with a 'W' and 2) we had a girl!

great name and like all the nicknames

EyeballsandherSunburntNorks · 18/06/2009 16:29

Bramble. 'aaaarold!'

Sunshinemummy · 18/06/2009 16:28

Ooops sorry!

campion · 18/06/2009 16:26

A little boy called it, sunshinemummy? Isn't there a book with that title?!

gladders · 18/06/2009 16:18

yup. like it. also like stanley - same sort of idea really...

Sunshinemummy · 18/06/2009 15:41

Yes I love it and I know a little boy called it too.

smellyeli · 18/06/2009 15:41

I like Wilf. I think Hermione Norris's son (her from Cold Feet and Spooks) is called Wilf? Go for it,