Wilf as stand alone name.

[User278832]

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.

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.

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

I like Wilf more than Wilfred. Nice name!

It sounds like a noise, I agree with pp.

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

My friends sons called wilf always predictive makes it wild

He is wild though

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I think it’s fine.

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.

I agree it sounds like a noise.

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?

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.

It’s incomplete and sounds very silly.

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.

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!

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

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

Sounds incomplete.

I find Wilf quite ugly and weak sounding

Such lovely responses 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!