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Baby names

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

Alexander

24 replies

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 07/04/2023 10:21

Is Alexander too long? I like the name but just worried it’s too long, I don’t mind it getting shortened sometimes but is it so long that the full name will never be used? The surname is quite long if that makes a difference.

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Imogensmumma · 07/04/2023 10:35

I love it but you are right he will be an Alex or some other shortened version most of the time but it is ageless whether he is a baby, professional or old man it’s a great name

TheVanguardSix · 07/04/2023 10:39

Mine’s an Alec.

Afolnerd · 07/04/2023 10:40

We have an Alexander. Tbh no one ever calls him by his full name, we went for Xander as a shortened version rather than Alex.

Marsyas · 07/04/2023 10:40

I know Alexanders who are always Alexander.

Tellmethespoiler · 07/04/2023 11:32

It’s a great name. I really don’t think you can go wrong with it. But everyone I know goes by a shortened version of it.

Blueuggboots · 07/04/2023 11:52

We have an Alexander but he chooses to go by Alex. His last name is 9 letters long (2 syllables) so we went with a very short middle name.

emmathedilemma · 07/04/2023 13:05

I think it's a great name BUT if you don't like any of the potential obvious nn from it then I wouldn't use it because even you don't use them, someone else inevitably will.

SkyeBlue28 · 07/04/2023 13:07

I think I’d you always call him by his full name other people are more likely to. I would never shorten someone’s name unless they told me to.

ArtichokeAardvark · 07/04/2023 13:21

I'm an Alexandra, so basically same scenario. I've been Alex my whole life, except to my mother who always calls me Alexandra. I do try to use my full name at work (partially because there are 3 other Alex's in the office) but it still gets shortened, even when I've deliberately introduced myself as Alexandra.

It's a super name but be prepared for him to be Alex. Don't use it if you don't like the shortened version.

Final thought - you say you have a long surname. Since marriage, I also now have a long, 3 syllable surname and it does make my full name into a serious mouthful! And it's a pain to spell out over the phone, inevitably all email addresses are [email protected]...

Hobbitlover · 07/04/2023 13:25

Afolnerd · 07/04/2023 10:40

We have an Alexander. Tbh no one ever calls him by his full name, we went for Xander as a shortened version rather than Alex.

Same, love the name, has personal meaning, but loved Xander as well so best of both.

jesslu5075 · 07/04/2023 16:01

Try Xander or Ally or Sasha, as a shortening...the one thing I will say is that Alexander is very popular right now.

HildasLostSock · 07/04/2023 16:32

I know 4 Alexanders & 1 Alexandra. All bar one go by the name Alex, so I think it's likely to be shortened in every day use. Personally I wouldn't mind that - I have my full/long version of my name on e.g. exam certificates but use the shortened version day to day. If you always introduce DC as Alexander (and correct people if they shorten it, which hopefully wouldn't be necessary often - most people use the name they are told ime - my nephew is still known by the full version) it might stick although DC might themselves prefer Alex when older of course!

LlynTegid · 07/04/2023 16:33

Two relatives (one deceased). Usually shortened, indeed at a memorial event seemed different in a way to read out the deceased's full name.

Gherkinsandwich · 07/04/2023 17:41

Alexander is fab ❤️ Mine goes usually goes by his full name or Alexi/Lex (husband is Greek - so also a long surname)

ididntwanttodoit · 07/04/2023 17:47

Alexander is often shortened to Sandy in Scotland. Love them both

UsingChangeofName · 07/04/2023 18:58

I think it is a lovely name, but it will be shortened.
What you get to decide, in the first instance at least, is what it is shortened to.

Luredbyapomegranate · 07/04/2023 20:04

It’ll always be shortened but it’s nice

Alistair maybe?

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 07/04/2023 20:07

I do like both Alex and Xander so not against it being shortened a lot just. Prefer Alexander to alistair and not too worried about a name being popular. This post is making me more comfortable to go with it.

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speakout · 07/04/2023 20:12

I have an Alexander- now he is an Alex.

After the first few years you will have no say in what the shortened version will be, school, friends, teachers and your son will make that decision and it will be out of your hands.

Lbnc2021 · 07/04/2023 20:13

I’ve got an Alexander and is always called Alexander. Except by his twin sister who calls him all manner of names 😅

Squirrelsnut · 07/04/2023 20:30

My Alexander has always been Alex. It was always my favourite name.

user1492757084 · 08/04/2023 07:01

Handsome, classic and strong.

And there is always the beaut. poem - Alexander Beetle.

Summerevenings · 17/04/2023 10:33

Does it work as a brother for Henry? Or would William work better?

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 21/06/2023 19:31

Do you prefer Alex or Xander as a shortening?

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