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Baby names

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

Original poster

Wilbur

35 replies

Momdeguerre · 23/10/2009 22:03

We like William but have two close relations with the name, we already have a Charles, known as Charlie.

Expecting DC 2 in April and very stuck for boys names - Wilbur is the only one we are close to agreeing on - perhaps to be shortened to Wil or Bertie.

We have a VERY common and plain surname!

What do you think?

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campion · 27/10/2009 01:03

Hugo is much nicer and goes well with Charlie ( es). Beware trying to be creative just because your surname is common.

You don't want him complaining that his brother got the nice name, do you?!

Wilbur will always be the plump pig in Charlotte's Web to me( sorry)

edd021208 · 26/10/2009 14:41

very very cute....

Crazycatlady · 26/10/2009 13:30

Love it. I know two Wilburs already, think it's getting more popular (but not common). Interestingly both are in London and always get raised eyebrows from my friends who live elsewhere in the country, no idea why though, I think it's lovely.

ViktoriaMac · 26/10/2009 12:39

We are calling our little boy Wilbur (due December) and we LOVE it!!!

belgo · 25/10/2009 06:46

Wilbur shortened to Wil is lovely, not so keen on Bertie. Wilfred is also good, and Freddie as a nickname.

stuffitllllama · 25/10/2009 05:25

very nice

Frrrightattendant · 25/10/2009 03:22

Maggie, my other son is on your list!

Probably getting a bit 'blah' as well...

Original poster
Momdeguerre · 24/10/2009 21:53

Maggie - thanks for the suggestions - I don't actually mind the connotation!

Our alternative name is Hugo.

OP posts:
MaggieBruja · 24/10/2009 20:42

it's so self-consciously urbane dykwim? Where I used ot live, every child was called Arthur or Bertie or Polly or Edie. There are little pockets in London where the name Wilbur is probably already quite blah.

what about

Donald
Howard
Richie
Victor
Robbie
Patrick
Marcus
Dominic
Peter

All of these are unusual classic names.

Frrrightattendant · 24/10/2009 20:41

Loads of my friends/acquaintances hated it and we have yet to pass the Sainsburys test full on. Have had a few minor call-outs but luckily he hasn't run off too far yet.

He has just started to use his name instead of 'baby' and pronounces it 'Alber' atm!

teameric · 24/10/2009 20:39

I think its a great name

slimeoncrazydemon · 24/10/2009 20:37

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Original poster
Momdeguerre · 24/10/2009 20:29

Hiipi and others - thanks for your vote of confidence too -looks like it is going to be a love or hate name!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Momdeguerre · 24/10/2009 20:28

Fright - glad to know there are other Wilur's about!

Thanks all for the thoughts - my surname is not Smith! Almost as common!

I don't mind the abbrevition Will - I know lots of williams but none who are abbreviated to Willie so am not too bothere about that.

Love Bill as an abbreviation also like Bertie but never liked Al which is why we have avoided Albert.

I do know it was the pig from Charlottes Web but not put off by that either - most names have some connection to something else - I don't find that one too hideous - he was a very cute little pig too!!

Thanks

OP posts:
Frrrightattendant · 24/10/2009 20:17
merleoberon · 24/10/2009 19:14

yes. Wilbur smith is a S African writer. Not a bad one too!!

sherby · 24/10/2009 19:11

Wilbur Smith is african adventure story man isn't he?

hippipotamiHasLost72lbs · 24/10/2009 19:09

I absolutely love it - it is a brilliant name, traditional, strong, and just all round great.
Huge thumbs up from me.

Tortington · 24/10/2009 19:08

i like it

LeonieBooCreepy · 24/10/2009 19:07

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doubleexpresso · 24/10/2009 18:24

Thanks to Woowa and Ponymum! Knew Wilbur Smith rang a pig bell!

Frrrightattendant · 24/10/2009 18:13

Ok I will admit we have one. Earlier there was this thread and just beneath it another one which had MY name in the title, is the cosmos trying to tell me something??!

We shorten it to Bill

It is an old English name, not American
I know a few people with cats called it

and he was one of the Wright brothers. And a pig, and Elmer's friend (patchwork elephant) and several other Good Things

What's not to like?

DorotheaPlentighoul · 24/10/2009 16:45

Wilbur is the name of the soft toy pig DS has. We named him after Charlotte's Web but I later learned he is also "officially" sold as Wilbur the pig by the toy manufacturer. I think lots of people do associate the name Wilbur with pigs ... can't really think of a non-porcine Wilbur of any fame to counterbalance this ....

woowa · 24/10/2009 16:35

Wilbur was the pig in Charlotte's web, if that's the pig you're thinking of!

glastocat · 24/10/2009 16:31

My cat is called Wilbur, and we shorten it to Wally. I really wouldn't if I were you.