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?

I think its cute, have a work colleague with a baby Stanley and and an Albi (Albert). A lot of 'old men' names are on their way back in as they do, i also like Seth which was a great grand parent and George.

Apart from the fact Boris Johnson used it for one of his kids I quite like it. Is starting to get quite popualr round my way.

I don't hate it. Wouldn't pick though.

How about -

Edwin
Peter
Noel

Seth reminds me of Cold Comfort Farm

Not Alfred as it could ( unless you are strict about it) become the diminutive Alfie which is a tiny bit ghastly.

Peter
Arthur
John
Guy (??)
Miles

I really like it. It would also be a top choice for me as was on our list before we knew we were having a girl (other top choices were Alexander, Nathaniel and Frederick)
I like how can havw nns will, wilf, Fred, freddie etc.

I only know of 1, he's around 3 months old.

Sorry, it’s one of those “oh my god no” names for me - too posh,too wet,too pretentious, sort of the vibes you get about Gabriel or Jasper.

I love Thomas, what about Joseph, Jacob, Abraham, Vincent, Arthur, Patrick?

Wilfred is ok but Wilf just sounds like a fart to me (I think it's too similar to Whiff).

One of my favourite people in the world is called wilf good name to me 👍

I had a great-uncle Wilf who was also known as Bill. So that's another option it gives you (though I guess with a William in the family already Fred is more likely!). Names need to be useable when you are little, but then grow up with you / give you something to grow into.

I don’t mind it, but it’s a bit trendy/try-hard where I am. I much prefer the other names that you’ve said you like, especially James and Alexander. Although they are always popular, they won’t stand out as having had a bit of a moment in the 2020’s, IMO.

Wilf/Wilfred was on our shortlist too. Our son was eventually called Rex (long story!)

Definite Boris connotations for me, I'd assume the parents of any little Wilfs I met were fans of his. Arthur or Stanley seem like good alternatives to me, maybe Joseph?

My daughters name is Charlotte Elizabeth I’m not a royalist and my daughter was born 2 years before prince nob heads offspring I hope people don’t think I’m a royalist 👍

I think it's quite a "wet" name and very posh. So for that reason not for me. But it only really matters what you think of it.

I like Wilf. A similar alternative is Wilbur? He can shorten it to Will if he wants something conventional as an adult.

Wilf is dreadful, sorry. As someone who hasn't heard that nickname often enough, all I think as MILF, FILF, BILF and all the other acronyms. I don't think it will stand well.

That said, Wilfred itself isn't terrible, and little Freddie sounds adorable.

Nothing particlarly not nice about Wilfred.
It's not in my favourite five names though.
It sounds complex to my eart

Others you might like ..
Griffin
Wilbur
Winston
Ferdinand
Willem
William

Wilf reminds me of the Biff and Chip books, which I always hated. That aside it's not a bad name though. Wilfred would fit right in with all the Archies and Alfies though, and it's nice that he would also have the option of Fred/Freddie or even Will.

It's a very wet name and sounds too close to MILF. My grandfather was called Wilfred and absolutely loathed it- he always said it was a comedy character or animal name, so maybe that's colouring my judgement!

I love it. Always have. Love Wilfred too.

I hate it but it's not my child x

That's a shame. It reminds me of Wilfred Owen who was a genius poet who told the world the truth about WW!, having been in the trenches himself. To me it suggests strong and sensitive in equal measure.

I love it, it reminds me of the Wilf who has been mentioned on this thread.
I talk to him and his Mum often and they're both doing great ❤️

Wilf sounds so ugly, like milf for bilf. Just not nice.