Wilf

[dadtobe22]

Hi,

My wife and I are expecting a boy in the new year. We would like a traditional name for him and Wilf is the front runner at the moment (Wilfred on his birth certificate).

It seems to be a real marmite name. Some people seem to violently dislike it which is fine. It’s a free country!

We figure he could also be Fred if he doesn’t take to Wilf for whatever reason. He’s got options.

What do you think of Wilf?

Wilf is awful. Sorry. But Wilfred is nice so it could work as a pet name.

I know a Wilf, hes 5. I like it

If you were expecting a boy in the next month or two what names would be on your shortlist out of interest? (Genuinely curious).

I think it's great.

Is this inspired by our former prime minister's child's name?

I've just stopped thinking it's great. (Sorry!)

No

Not at all! I think the connection with Boris will be long forgotten in a few years. I bet the average person would struggle to name Blair, Brown and Cameron’s kids. But I guess Wilf is a bit different as it’s more unusual.

I didn't think of it until @TheBeesKnee mentioned it, so you're probably right about the connection not necessarily being made.

Reminds me of Biff and Chip books, wilful and MILF

I don't think it's awful but I think there are more compelling names out there. I'm not a much of a fan of the 'granddad name' trend, though. It's been done to death where I live. There are two Wilf's at my DDs nursery and I know another roughly the same age.

It makes me think of Boris, sorry.

(And, niche reference, sorry, but a vulnerable young man who used to post on here in a way that compromised his privacy.)

I like it. Due for a comeback.

Wilf is a great name. Wilfred sounds so dignified.

I am always reminded of the lovely poster whose son was called Wilf. He had many challenges in life and I loved hearing her updates about him.

If you are in the North or Sussex, Wilfred is very appropriate. There is a variation ‘Wilfrith’ , which is particularly connected to Worcestershire.

I think it’s one of those names that would grow on me if I knew a child with the name. At the moment it sounds a bit “comically old man” to me, but I do like that he has the option of Fred / Freddie as well as Wilf.

It's very cute for a small child but I struggle to imagine a teenage or adult Wilf!

Wilf sounds ugly, sorry.

Please don't. Call him Tom or Will (Thomas and William are very underused these days).

Also, Wilf is a cat or dog name.

I know a Wilf who's lovely. I also like Wilfred from Brambly Hedge.

There are other alternatives to Wilf than Thomas or William both of which are very popular round here!

I like Wilf. I know two dogs called Wilf - you can make of that what you will. Wilfred is awful. If you like Wilf, call him Wilf, if you like Wilfred go with Wilfred! Why do people put a name on the BC that they don’t actually plan to use….

I really like Wilf and Wilfred, DH wanted it for one of our twins but I wasn't keen on how it went with DD's name. Still think he could be a Wilf though!