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Baby names

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Original poster

Alex or Xander ?

63 replies

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 22/06/2023 12:06

Which do you prefer as a shortening for Alexander?
the name is so long that I think it is inevitable that it will be shortened. My husband prefers Alex but I am leaning towards Xander.

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SirChenjins · 22/06/2023 17:28

Alex - Xander sounds really drippy imo, especially when it’s pronounced Xahhhnder

FayCarew · 22/06/2023 17:28

Alex or Alec. Not keen on Xander, sounds like a fish

Beachhutnut · 22/06/2023 17:29

Alex or Alec

SkyAboveSoBlue · 22/06/2023 17:30

I like both but think Xander is nicer.

Superdupes · 22/06/2023 17:36

Alex for me. Xander sounds a bit pretentious to my ears.

Fandabedodgy · 22/06/2023 17:36

ZacharinaQuack · 22/06/2023 12:06

In Scotland he could be Sandy or Eck.

Or Alex pronounced as Alec

ThatsRoughBuddy · 22/06/2023 17:55

Mine goes by Xander but it’s only me and his older brother that call him that. Everyone else calls him by his full name which must be unusual as all other Alexanders he knows go by Alex.

RuthW · 22/06/2023 18:06

I love Xander. Dislike Alex

SummerLovingg · 22/06/2023 18:07

Xander is absolutely awful.

ThreePaws · 22/06/2023 18:18

I prefer Xander.

afrikat · 22/06/2023 18:19

Love Xander

SequinsandStilettos · 22/06/2023 18:20

Alex/Al/Ali/Lex/Xander/Xan
You may well end up using them all!
I teach more Alexes (NW)

DappledThings · 22/06/2023 18:22

I don't think there's any point trying to choose a diminutive. Some people will use one, some might use another, he might have his own opinion.

Having said that my nephew is nearly 8 and always been Alexander. Never heard anyone shorten it.

WhisperingAutistic · 22/06/2023 18:24

toastofthetown · 22/06/2023 13:04

I prefer Alex, though my favourite diminutive is Sacha/Sasha.

Agree with this
I really don't like Xander.

springtome · 22/06/2023 18:28

Comefromaway · 22/06/2023 12:18

Alex, Xander sounds a bit poncy.

I was thinking the same thing. It's a bit pretentious for me.

TiggeryBear · 22/06/2023 18:58

My Alexander is typically Alex, but is often also called Als or Ali.

Nutellaonall · 22/06/2023 19:07

Xander to me is silly and pretentious. I like the classic Alex.

ThatWhiteElephant · 22/06/2023 20:32

I like Zander.

ThatWhiteElephant · 22/06/2023 20:33

ThatWhiteElephant · 22/06/2023 20:32

I like Zander.

Oops I meant Xander!

dollybird · 22/06/2023 20:36

Or just pick one as his name rather than a NN? We have an Alex, was never Alexander. Have been known to call him Al.

continentallentil · 22/06/2023 20:37

Alex, but I prefer Alec or Sandy

I find Xander low level ridiculous

Absolem76 · 22/06/2023 20:37

I like Xander I think it's much nicer than Alex but he will probably have his own view when he is old enough

PurpleAirGuitar · 22/06/2023 23:11

I prefer Alex, but I also think it is very much the default. So even if you call him something else when he's young, be prepared for the fact that he might prefer to be Alex when he's older.

ColdHandsHotHead · 23/06/2023 15:22

Not Zander. I use to know one and he was a right knob.

movein · 23/06/2023 15:25

xander is dreadful. Alex is lovely