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Baby names

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

First name or middle name

50 replies

Haggardly · 17/04/2024 10:18

Wilfred (blank) or (blank) Wilfred?

The name Wilfred is very meaningful to me but I know it's also quite marmite. I honestly don't know if our little boy will have an awful time if Wilfred is his main name, which is why I'm considering as middle name.

Also important to note: we have a three syllable spiky last name with lots of Bs and Ks and an S in, so it is very unpleasant to say 😂 (Polish origin kinda merged with my original English name)

OP posts:
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Nicebloomers · 17/04/2024 10:22

Wilfred is good. Nn potential of Wilf or Fred/ Freddie.

slipperytiger · 17/04/2024 10:23

First, it's a really lovely name.

35andThriving · 17/04/2024 10:40

I think it's a lovely name. I think it would make a nice first name. However, if YOU feel it should be second don't feel guilty for that. Having it as a second name is still a special thing.

Firsttimebabymama · 17/04/2024 11:15

First, it's lovely

MiddleAgedDread · 17/04/2024 11:41

First

user1492757084 · 17/04/2024 11:43

Wilfred is a fine first name.

cheapskatemum · 17/04/2024 12:12

I think it's fine as a first name. Nn: Will, Wilf, Fred, Freddie.

I would choose a one syllable middle name.

RuthW · 17/04/2024 12:16

First. It's lovely.

Moreteaandchocolate · 17/04/2024 12:18

Personally I would make it a middle name, it’s just not to my taste, but it’s a solid name and plenty of people love it.

Haggardly · 17/04/2024 18:58

Thank you for your feedback everyone 🙂 I really appreciate it!

OP posts:
theduchessofspork · 17/04/2024 20:19

Wilfred’s quite popular I think, it’s a nice name

shoopshoopdedoo · 17/04/2024 20:52

Love it

MumChp · 17/04/2024 22:38

Wilfred is great!

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 17/04/2024 22:50

20/30 years ago, he might have had issues. But Wilfred is trendy again along with all the other great- grandad names - he’ll fit right in with Albert, Leonard, Sidney etc at nursery.

And btw, despite not liking trendy names on principle, I love the sound of Wilfred 🤣Reminds me of poet Wilfred Owen and Wilfie sounds so cute on a little one/ Wilf cool on a teenager (as it’s so close to Wolf/Wolfie). I was tempted by Wilfred myself for my own DS.

SummerCam73 · 17/04/2024 23:05

My DD9 was going to be Wilfred/ Wilfie, I love it!

Noodles1234 · 19/04/2024 20:06

I love it!

go with what you want, honestly by the time he is at school all sorts will have been in and out of fashion and Wilf sounds brilliant (wishing now I’d thought of it).

Elderflower14 · 19/04/2024 20:12

I have a 27 year old Wilf(red) who is quite well known on here.
The year he was born there were only 16 born. My Mum said she would have to get used to the name when we told her!
He's named after Wilfred Owen and is very proud of it.

Emmz1510 · 19/04/2024 20:13

I love Wilf!

celticprincess · 19/04/2024 20:22

You need to decide Wilfrid or Wilfred. And then remember which. Family will use them interchangeably.

I know someone who hated his name full and even shortened to Wilf. But it seems to be coming back around.

Heads up. In the Oxford reading tree books Wilf is a character.

MrsMoiraRose · 19/04/2024 20:23

I love Wilfred. I'd definitely use as a first name

DelCalMun · 19/04/2024 21:10

Wilfred is great with several cool shortened options. Go for it!!

WhatK8DidNext · 19/04/2024 21:31

I have a gorgeous 9yr old Wilfred, he goes by Wilf and he’s not the only one we know 😊

BloodyHellKenAgain · 19/04/2024 22:13

I think it depends on how Wilfred sounds with the other name and your surname as to what order you use.
I'm known by my middle name and always have been but if my middle name and first name were swapped round it doesn't flow as nicely when you say it.

Florin · 20/04/2024 00:31

Love it so much. There is a Wilfred in my son’s year (year 7) shortened to Wilf of Wilfy he is one of the most popular boys in the whole year so hasn’t held him back!

RogueFemale · 20/04/2024 03:15

Sorry, I have to say I think Wilfred is awful. And the shortened form of Wilf. Maybe fine at 3 yo but think of the adult man.

No doubt it means mighty warrior or something but to me it sounds weak.

Also a name cursed by Boris Johnson's son.