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Baby names

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

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Original poster

Are Will and Wilf too similar?

18 replies

PipFEH · 21/07/2011 11:43

Obviously not for siblings, but what about for cousins? We have loved Wilf since I was pregnant with my eldest, but have always discounted it because my sister in law's little boy is called Will (Will on birth cerificate, not William). He will be almost 11 by the time we have our baby, so they won't be hanging out together as mates for quite some time, but we do see them fairly regularly. I am really struggling to find anything I truly love and feel like I am settling for something that I do like but that isn't quite right, so I'm really loathed to discount anything. We would probably have Wilfred for the birth certificate, but maybe not? Needs thinking about. My sister in law is very nice and laid back so I don't think she is likely to mind, but I worry about it getting confusing!

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EightiesChick · 21/07/2011 11:45

It probably will be confusing at family events, but then you have to weigh that against it being the name you love. IMO I would put Wilfred on the birth certificate then he has choices of nn when he's older.

EightiesChick · 21/07/2011 11:46

Sorry, and meant to add - how much time will you spend at family events with both kids there?

pointydog · 21/07/2011 12:00

Doesn't really matter for cousins. Go ahead.

WaitingForBabyD · 21/07/2011 12:02

They are similar but I wouldn?t worry about it. If they were similar ages it might be more a problem but 11 years is a big gap. As close as you and your sister, and family, might be its unlikely they?ll become best mates ? at least not for a while and Wilf will have established his own personality and place in the family by then. I?d maybe let your sister know in advance, but be careful it doesn?t sound as if you?re asking for her approval.

BluddyMoFo · 21/07/2011 12:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LemonDifficult · 21/07/2011 12:10

I think your sister might be a bit... funny about this, I might be. No basis for it, of course, and you should still name your child whatever you want but... Dunno. Just not sure I'd do it.

Have you got anything else?

Original poster

PipFEH · 21/07/2011 12:17

It's my hubby's sister, not mine btw - not sure if that makes any difference!

We've sort of agreed on Nathaniel, but it isn't quite right and I keep wobbling about it. I like short names and find it a bit long. We want to avoid 'top flight' names if possible (though daughter has a top 50 name, so not totally opposed if it's right), but don't want anything too unusual or anything that is easily pigeon holed by 'class'. Older children are Jude and Scarlett. I'm very difficult to please!

OP posts:

pilates · 21/07/2011 12:39

How about Max, Alex or Ethan?

Love Nathaniel BTW with nn Nat.

LemonDifficult · 21/07/2011 12:43

Go gently, is what I say. If it was a friend I'd say doesn't matter at all but family is different and there are loads of cool names, in fact I wish I had more children just to name the buggers.

MelinaM · 21/07/2011 13:06

Wilf's lovely, go for it!

NearlyHeadlessnickelbabe · 21/07/2011 13:08

for siblings, too close, but for cousins, it's not a problem at all!

I have two cousins with the same first name, and it was never a problem for anyone. (they got their middle names included every time you were talking about them)

CointreauVersial · 21/07/2011 13:13

Not a problem for cousins, especially with such a huge gap in ages.

DH has two cousins with the same first name and surname as him (Irish family)!

CointreauVersial · 21/07/2011 13:14

Don't go for a name you are wobbling about! It won't get better.

marzipananimal · 21/07/2011 13:14

fine for cousins IMO. DH has a cousin with the same name as him who's only 2 years younger (I think MIL was a bit annoyed though!)

BonzoDooDah · 21/07/2011 13:15

I'd go for Wilfred (not Wilf) as he would have a choice of what to call himself when older and it would not at all be the same as his cousin Will. Then you can call him Wilf at home and if it gets confusing at family do's then call him Wilfred there. I don't think it sounds like your SIL would be put out at all. Do what you like best or you'll be upset for years.

starcuntmole · 21/07/2011 13:15

I actually could have written your exact post (apart from not being pregnant ) am v interested to see replies, ta! (oh, and my sil not laid back and chilled, so poss more problematic!)

BonzoDooDah · 21/07/2011 13:17

And for the (weird) record my really good friends have a dog with the same (abbreviated) name as my DD! I mentioned it before she was born and they were absolutely okay about it. In fact we call them "Bonzette-1" and "Bonzette-2" when they are together. (dog gets a bit confused though )

MsChanandlerBong · 21/07/2011 13:49

I think its fine for two cousins to have similar names. If they were siblings it would have been a bit confusing, but I think it's fine in your circumstances.
(And imo you should only put Wilfred on the bc if you like that name as well as Wilf... but I know that is a contentious issue so I'll tip toe away now ).

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