Baby name update - (Alpha)

[paulinesmithson]

This is an update post to the baby name thread I started a few weeks ago deciding whether or not to use the name Alpha for my DD (due March).
If you haven't already read the post, to sum up:
My grandfather Alfie passed just before we found out we are expecting my DD and I wanted to use the name Alpha to honour his name.

There were many mixed opinions but we have settled (DH and I) on the name Alfa.

Its spelling isn't the same as the version with all the bad connotations and I think using the f instead of ph is closer to Alfie anyway so this seemed like the best name we could find. DH is fully on board with the name and we plan to use the nickname Alf too which I think is so cute!

I did take the opinions into consideration and decided against the original spelling

Alf is traditionally the nickname of Alfred.

Are you really sure about this name. I fully appreciate your reasoning but..

Spelling it differently doesn’t change a bad idea into a good one.

You are naming your child, she deserves her own name. She isn't someone's legacy, she's a person in her own right.

If this is something so important to you, honour him yourself and change your own name in tribute.

I'm sorry but Alpha/Alfa doesn't change much does it. Honestly not trying to be unkind. For what it's worth your grandad had a lovely name, if you wrte having a boy it would be lovely to name him after him but not this contortion of a male name for your girl.

Just call her Alfie or Elfie if you must. Alfa is ridiculous. As in Alfa Romeo? Nightmare

Nooooo....some of still remember Alf....

It's really awful but seems like you' were told that on a previous thread.

If you're definitely set on Alfa can I suggest looking at this list of genuine ancient Anglo Saxon female names? There's a few of them that have a similar sound and they are genuine names even if they are a bit archaic.
My favourite is Aelfwyn. Think that's lovely and guarantee you won't come across another one.
Saxon female names

It means 'Elf joy' btw

PPS. Aelfwyn was the granddaughter of Alfred the Great.

I think it’s incredibly selfish when parents choose a name that means something to them, but will result in sniggers and eyerolls
behind the child’s back. Who would do that to their child? It is a Deeply narcissistic action.

and the fact you have started a second thread would suggest that you are desperate for attention.

anyway, name your daughter after a type of radiation if you think that’s wise.

What about Althea?

The way some people pronounce th she would be could Alfea anyway.

Totally up you you OP - but I have seen a few people on other threads suggest introducing yourself as your chosen name for a few weeks, see if you still like it then.

I understand your reasoning - my own DD has a male (not even a nice name, tbh - but it flows beautifully with her first name) middle name - as I wanted my dead dads name in there.

How about names that have that 'fi' in it, so it's a nod to him. Ffion is a beautiful name

Maybe I’m mad @paulinesmithson but I actually really like Alfie for a girl to be honest!
You could change the spellings like Alfee, Alfeigh, Alfy to make it more feminine.
I know I’ll get piled on, it’s Mumsnet but I always wanted to call DD2 Stevie and my DH wouldn’t let me! Love a boys name girls name crossover!

Aw, little baby Beorhtwen!

The spelling doesn’t change the name!

Your child is highly unlikely to thank you for this. I can’t imagine many teenage girls being thrilled that they’re name Alf.

I'd be perfectly happy to be referred to as Alf or Alfa

I'd be perfectly happy to be referred to as Alf or Alfa

Ok, cool. Fingers crossed your DD feels the same way.

Are you planning on having more children ? You might have a boy next and you could use the name perfectly to honour your Grandad then . Maybe consider it as a middle name just incase if you are planning on having more ?

Maybe not that one! Not sure 'Bugge' is gonna make a comeback anytime soon either

Alfa Romeo is what I think of - gorgeous cars but not sure if that’s what you want people to think of when you introduce your daughter?

It’s your choice of course but I hope you reconsider! Give her the middle name Alfie and give her her own beautiful first name is my advice, if you care for it! Otherwise just please yourself! (don’t know why you would bother posting though if you don’t want people’s advice).

Get the paperwork then, change your name and get started finding something for your child that is chosen with her in mind.

But is this because it has loving associations to your grandad? Would you be equally happy with another male name like Tom? John? Matt? Or whatever. She won't have the connection to the name!

@PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister your post made me lol. Totally agree!