Alfred and Wilfred
Two years ago I posted these two names as names which I am drawn to, and got some emphatically negative responses. I was curious to know if these names have made any progress on this board.
I especially love Wilfred. It's hardly even used, and I find it to be so incredibly chic, the same as a rough dark gray wool sweater, but maybe one of those that just out of reach to the consideration of the masses--but I do not feel it will remain so. It's a bit hipsterish.
Either would go well grouped with Hazel, Mabel, Oliver, Harriet, Edwin, Arthur, Pearl, Phineas, etc.
I especially love Wilfred. It's hardly even used, and I find it to be so incredibly chic, the same as a rough dark gray wool sweater, but maybe one of those that just out of reach to the consideration of the masses--but I do not feel it will remain so. It's a bit hipsterish.
Either would go well grouped with Hazel, Mabel, Oliver, Harriet, Edwin, Arthur, Pearl, Phineas, etc.
Replies
For what it's worth, my family tree contains a John Wilfred, known as Wilfred, and his sisters Isabella Goodwill (Bella), Madeleine May (May), Daisy (no clue) and Hannah Mary (Polly); all born at the end of the 19th century.
Aunties May, Daisy and Polly I like: Aunty Bella and Uncle Wilfred I don't. Just the names, of course ... quite sure they were fine people. I prefer Alfred to Wilfred, but I don't like it much either.
Aunties May, Daisy and Polly I like: Aunty Bella and Uncle Wilfred I don't. Just the names, of course ... quite sure they were fine people. I prefer Alfred to Wilfred, but I don't like it much either.
Blech.
Sorry, but nothing will ever make me like names that end in the -fred sound. They're too old and crotchety for my taste.
Sorry, but nothing will ever make me like names that end in the -fred sound. They're too old and crotchety for my taste.
I agree, but hesitated to say so for fear of appearing pedestrian. But now that you've said it, I second it!
heh
Hesitate not! Without people hating these old names, what charm would there be for hipsters to love them?
tongue-in-cheek, of course. I like to tell myself I like them objectively
Hesitate not! Without people hating these old names, what charm would there be for hipsters to love them?
tongue-in-cheek, of course. I like to tell myself I like them objectively
Love them! Alf and Wilf make cute nns too.
Double post. Ignore. Sorry.
This message was edited 10/4/2009, 5:41 PM
Wilf
I am bonkers about that nickname for Wilfred! Wowie. .
I am bonkers about that nickname for Wilfred! Wowie. .
I loooove Alfred, it's almost my #1 lately. Such a pianist name.
Wilfred's been growing on me and I'm really glad you just described it like you did because now it's growing on me more in a gray-sweater kind of way.
I think all the names you listed are actually well ahead of Alfred and especially Wilfred, most notably Oliver and Phineas.
Wilfred's been growing on me and I'm really glad you just described it like you did because now it's growing on me more in a gray-sweater kind of way.
I think all the names you listed are actually well ahead of Alfred and especially Wilfred, most notably Oliver and Phineas.
I think they're great!
You have really good taste...I especially like Wilfred my self...my question though is, if you were to have twins with these names, would you use any nicknames? I might call one Fred, but do you call the other Al, Will, or their full name?
I don't see Wilfred in the same way you do...I see a Wilfred as just a friendly person.
What about Albert? My little brother says he has a classmate by that name (they're in 4th grade).
You have really good taste...I especially like Wilfred my self...my question though is, if you were to have twins with these names, would you use any nicknames? I might call one Fred, but do you call the other Al, Will, or their full name?
I don't see Wilfred in the same way you do...I see a Wilfred as just a friendly person.
What about Albert? My little brother says he has a classmate by that name (they're in 4th grade).
Albert seems to be making a comeback.
I've noticed a few BA's with Albert in them lately. I normally wouldn't like the name if my grandfather didn't have it. :)
I've noticed a few BA's with Albert in them lately. I normally wouldn't like the name if my grandfather didn't have it. :)
I quite like both.
Two years ago, or even six months ago, I would've told you that I quite dislike both. My entire naming style has really changed dramatically in a short period of time, though.
I especially like Alfred. It's very colourful and fun to me.
Hate the nickname Fred, though, so I don't know whether or not I could allow myself to use them. Alfie and Will are both somewhat neat nicknames.
I think Alfred and Oliver would be pretty amazing brothers.
ETA: Wilfred has a really superb meaning.
Alfred has an awesome meaning, but in a different way.
Two years ago, or even six months ago, I would've told you that I quite dislike both. My entire naming style has really changed dramatically in a short period of time, though.
I especially like Alfred. It's very colourful and fun to me.
Hate the nickname Fred, though, so I don't know whether or not I could allow myself to use them. Alfie and Will are both somewhat neat nicknames.
I think Alfred and Oliver would be pretty amazing brothers.
ETA: Wilfred has a really superb meaning.
Alfred has an awesome meaning, but in a different way.
This message was edited 10/4/2009, 4:35 PM
Wilfred!!
I came across this name SO often while working in the archives this summer and fell absolutely in love with it. I also adore Alfred, but Wilfred is just a tad more whimsical and charming to my ear. It certainly has that cozy old sweater feeling to it. Same reason I love Chester so much. It seems like a fuzzy blanket you can just curl up into.
I definitely agree with you on the hipster appeal for Wilfred and Alfred and their kind. I am not sure how high they will rise, but I see them being picked up by cutting-edge parents for sure.
I came across this name SO often while working in the archives this summer and fell absolutely in love with it. I also adore Alfred, but Wilfred is just a tad more whimsical and charming to my ear. It certainly has that cozy old sweater feeling to it. Same reason I love Chester so much. It seems like a fuzzy blanket you can just curl up into.
I definitely agree with you on the hipster appeal for Wilfred and Alfred and their kind. I am not sure how high they will rise, but I see them being picked up by cutting-edge parents for sure.