Alastair or Ambrose?

[TillyTheTiger]

DH prefers Alastair, I like it too but worry about the alternative spellings, since we often have to spell out our surname. Is Ambrose too old-fashioned? Too rice-puddingy? Suggestions for alternatives welcome!

Alastair is really nice.

Dislike Ambrose, sorry! How about Ansel(m), Amos, Alexei or Abram?

Absolutely love Ambrose and wouldn't have even thought of Ambrosia as in the food. Funny how nobody says no to Harry because of Harry Potter or no to Ella because of the Ella's kitchen brand etc... but when I asked about my DDs name Isadora (before she was named) people were saying no because of Isadora Duncan or no because of Dora the explorer

Honestly any name that is a bit different people will find a "negative" connection! It's only because people like to stay with what they know.

Ambrose is a fabulous name, love that it's Greek, love the meaning and love that it fits in with all the current "grandad" trend names like Stanley, Albert, Atticus - but stands out a bit more as not often heard of. However I have seen it be mentioned a few times on this forum over the past couple of months so we maybe will see a surge in popularity!

Funny how nobody says no to Harry because of Harry Potter or no to Ella because of the Ella's kitchen brand etc...

Not really that funny. No.

Doesn't it occur to you that perhaps people don't make the same association because Harry was such a common name pre Potter and continues to be a very common name post Potter? Ambrose is far more niche.

@Crizzle yes perhaps. That was just one example though and not really my entire point. You kind of proved what I was saying by reaffirming how "niche" Ambrose is.

You don't like it then that's fine you've expressed that opinion. The OP clearly does like it as do many others, and I was just expressing MY opinion that people tend to find negative connotations for names not often used, as opposed to more common names which can have many negative connotations but which are more likely to be ignored.

I'm all for niche names. Just not the ugly ones like Ambrose.

YOU think it's ugly. Others do not. I can't imagine having this much attitude over not liking a name 😂

Good luck OP with your decision!

Your fondness for caps lock points to a certain amount of attitude.

Alistair. Lovely lovely name.

Op - is our Alistair is generally spelt right, it is more often right than wrong. Though it's only nursery and family that ever really write his name - family all get it right, nursery artwork/diary sheets sometimes come with alternative spellings.

I think it helps that we used the most common spelling though, not that Alastair is that uncommon! Congratulations!

I prefer Ambrose to Alister.

Alistair is great

I don't mind Ambrose....but my first thought was mmmmm custard

I like Alastair more.

As for spelling, I prefer the look of Alastair, but I think most peoples' inclination would be to spell it Alistair if they didn't know.

Biased but I have an Alistair and I love it 😁

Alastair

I know a great & good fun adult Ambrose. Masculine (without being macho) and naughty (without causing harm on anyone).

Alistair is fine. Ambrose is great! Interesting without being too 'out there'.

Ambrose is great and so easy to spell and pronounce!

Alister, Alaster, Alastair, Alistair... so confusing imo.

Alastair (may be biased!)

Alastair but massively biased

I love Ambrose! It's top of my boy list (which looks as though it will never get used). Alistair is a bit meh for me and yes there are so many variations but if it is a name you love then it doesn't really matter.

Is Ambrose coming back in fashion? I’ve seen people gushing about names like Peregrine and Monty too. What would these names be called? Vintage Monk? Titled Great Uncle? They must be the next step on from Edwardian Footmen category names like Sid and Stanley.

I'm afraid Ambrose just makes me think of a very obese , very pale, mountain of a man. Alastair would be my preference.

Vintage Monk

Have met two adult Ambrose(s). Fantastic funny people. Do it!

Well MN is a contrary place, because I had an Ambrose thread only a few weeks ago, and got loads of positive responses! It's our first choice if this baby (if it ever fucking arrives), is a boy do like Alastair too, but can't use it because once had a fling with one...