Is Alfie really a no no for a birth certificate?

[bytheMoonlight]

Because I really like it but really dislike Alfred?

I don't see anything wrong with it at all

No nothing wrong with it at all.

I hate all the bloody 'need to have a proper name' rubbish on MN.

Yes. Nicknames as full names date badly and sound low rent.

It's not my taste, but I know loads (literally half a dozen under 10) of Alfies are that are just that.
I like Alfred but DH wouldn't have it (hymph!). I wanted Fred as nn (I used to work with a lovely Fred).

A full name on a birth certificate just gives options I think, as imo shortenings sound less formal than a full name. Although my name is an accepted shortening of a name, that now stands in it's own right. Maybe I should have a word with my parents

I really liked Connie but hated Constance so dismissed it for dd1.

Lots of people do it though, so whatever you feel comfortable with.

It gives your DS the option for when he's older and that's it. I hadn't the faintest idea my friend Jack was actually a John until I saw his passport. I would go for Alfred.

We have done similar. You have to remember when opening bank accounts, applying for passports etc. Anything official has to be in the birth certificate name (ie the one we never use but he has the option when he's older)

It is entirely up to you.

Alfie is a lovely name...

i think it's dreadful, sorry. And it will date incredibly quickly. Nicknames-as-full-names are uber trendy right now and Alfie will be the Wayne/Jayden/etc of the 2010s.

i wouldn't name a child a nickname when i hate the full name in any case. People are going to ask him if he's an Alfred fairly frequently when it comes to things like filling in forms and so on.

It's entirely your call. I personally love it and what ever name you bless your child with suit him and grow with him. Dont name your child with the thought of form filling for the rest of his life! We named our third child Queenie as we both loved the name but it created a divide amongst our extended families but it was our choice and she most certainly is a Queenie! Point is, you have the say so make sure it is your say and no-one elses.

I like the name Alfie on its own and I dont see it as a nick name as in this case it isnt short for anything its jus Alfie. I don't hear the name Alfie and think this is short for Alfred

The vast majority are just Alfie on BC if you look at the stats. I don't really like 'ie' names for boys but I would just use the name you intend on BC. It's abit confusing otherwise and kids may tease when older if name is old fashioned (Archibald etc). I see most nn names as 'short forms' and not nn. Nn to me is Shaz, Dazza, Loz etc and not just literally a short version.

It is an awful name and gives no option for them when they are older. It is very popular at the moment and will date very quickly, what if he grows up and wants to have a serious job???? Alfie?? awful urchin name and not the name of a Barrister or someone with any gravitas

I think the current trend for cutey type nicknames - Alfie/Archie/Bertie etc - is already coming to an end as people look for more 'solid' names imo. These names are therefore going to be typical 2010s type names and will date badly.

If you don't like the nickname of Alfred (Alfie) I'd avoid the name altogether.

I'm really not keen on cute -ie type names for little boys and agree that the Alfie/Archie type names have been overdone and will probably date quite badly.

I personally really like Alfred as well as Frederick - both are solid, classic, strong sounding names.

Sorry to say this, but Alfie = naughty in every school I've taught in.

I think it's quite common for children to decide to call themselves by their full name if their parents always shortened their name. I personally think it's nice for them to have that option. I know an Alfie who has become an Alfred, a lottie and Charley who have gone back to Charlotte and a Lollie who decided she wanted to be Laura.

I also think that most people would expect an Alfie to be an Alfred, just like most Steves are Stevens and most Mikes are Michaels.

My Jack is Jack [shrug] and my Margot is just that and not Margaret.... I say at least I'm giving them something to talk to their therapist about when their older!

Your child, your choice!

My nephew is Alfie and I know another..I like the name just as it is

I wouldn't, for the simple reason that there are millions of Alfies around nowadays (I visit Nurseries on a regular basis). If you don't mind it being a very popluar name, then I'd have no problem putting 'Alfie' on a birth certificate. I don't think this applies to all shortened names, but think Alfie is a bit like Katie - it's sort of become a name in it's own right.

Honestly? Anything but Alfie. It is sooo faddish and is already sounding REALLY dated.

Seriously?

You can't come up with anything better than Alfie?