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Baby names

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

Wilf as stand alone name.

43 replies

User278832 · 01/03/2018 14:03

Just that really. Does Wilf work as a stand alone name or does it sound ‘incomplete’ to you? I like Wilf but I’m going off Wilfred.

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Icantreachthepretzels · 01/03/2018 14:11

It sounds compete enough to me - more complete than just 'Will' as an example of a similar shortened name. I know MN has an obsession with proper names on a birth certificate so you can have options!!!!! but honestly, it's three extra letters - and offers the option of 'Fred'...so it's not really worth going for if you don't love it.

IVflytrap · 01/03/2018 14:31

It sounds incomplete to me, sorry. Also sounds a bit like the sound a dog makes.

Elfyn · 01/03/2018 15:43

I like Wilf more than Wilfred. Nice name!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 01/03/2018 15:45

It sounds like a noise, I agree with pp.

KellyBailey · 01/03/2018 15:47

I'd go for Wilfred then he has the option to use Fred/Freddie later in life if he doesn't like Wilf.

Helpimfalling · 01/03/2018 15:49

My friends sons called wilf always predictive makes it wild

He is wild though

Agustarella · 01/03/2018 16:42

I don't think it's a 'proper name' on its own, but it's kind of cute.

Laquila · 01/03/2018 16:46

It’s lovely, but brace yourself for twenty years of people asking you whether it’s short for Wilfred.

GreenTulips · 01/03/2018 16:49

The Oxford Reading tree has a Wilf in the main stories - due a comeback?

Echobelly · 01/03/2018 17:04

I'd always go for naming with full name, so they have the option. Our son is known by his short name everywhere, but it's not his given name.

DreamingOfAHotBeach · 01/03/2018 17:04

My dog was nearly called Wilf, and he would have been just Wilf.

It would definitely work as a standalone name. Wolf is similar and that works. Wilf is classic but also contemporary, cook sounding.

DreamingOfAHotBeach · 01/03/2018 17:05

Cool*

However, Wilfred would give your son shortening options when he's older. If he doesn't like Wilf, he could be Fred or Freddie.

CatsForgotPassword · 01/03/2018 17:36

I think it’s fine.

Ilovemybaby91 · 01/03/2018 19:24

My daughter is Pippa, everyone said I should use the full version (Phillipa) but I just didn't like it, to old fashioned & I don't regret it. So odd to imagine her as Phillipa! I think Wilf is lovely, I do see the pro to the full name as mentioned above so he can choose Fred/Freddie if he didn't like Wilf but ultimately your baby & your decision. Smile

SuburbanRhonda · 01/03/2018 19:26

I agree it sounds like a noise.

daisypond · 01/03/2018 19:40

I don't think it works as a stand-alone name. If Wilfred is a no-go, could you consider something like William Freddie (first name and middle name) with a nickname of Wilf?

SpikeGilesSandwich · 02/03/2018 00:46

Not too bad but people will assume it's short for Wilfred. Wilfred is getting popular, I know three already, lots of Alberts, Stanleys and Ernests too.

Iwasjustabouttosaythat · 02/03/2018 01:05

It’s incomplete and sounds very silly.

HappyStripper · 02/03/2018 01:29

It could be complete but what immediately springs to mind for me is MILF and similar acronyms... not really ammunition that you want to be giving future classmates. Could be that I’m a bit young to know many Wilfred’s but the full name didn’t even occur to me just from the title.

Also have the reading tree association from primary school.

CatsForgotPassword · 02/03/2018 10:29

Happy both me and DP thought “milf” at first too lol. I didn’t mention it as thought it was just us two being silly! Blush

HappyStripper · 02/03/2018 12:29

cats good to know it’s not just me haha, I couldn’t believe that it hadn’t been mentioned in any responses!

Viviennemary · 02/03/2018 12:31

It's totally dire. And Wilfred isn't really any better. It sounds like the name of a cartoon character. Just don't.

Pemba · 02/03/2018 13:12

Sounds incomplete.

pipilangstrumpf · 02/03/2018 13:56

I find Wilf quite ugly and weak sounding

Ilovemybaby91 · 02/03/2018 14:29

Such lovely responses Hmm I bet if you were asking these people to their faces they wouldn't be as rude. Name your kid what ever you like because there's always gonna be people who love it & people who hate it!

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