I've never liked
Al and I can't understand why. I almost regard it as a personal failing, because I love so many names that start with
Al or have the
Al sound prominent in them.
My favorite is
Albert, which has been suggested many times. I don't know if anyone has suggested the similar
Alban, which I adore. There's also
Alden, and
Alphaeus, which is fun.
Gus and
Al - hee. I like
Gus, but when I recommended to my friend
Hugo the name
Gustav with nn
Gus, he went "Ewwww that is like a plumber's name! With his butt crack hanging out!" (this coming from a
Hugo. I
know, right?) I rolled my eyes when he said that, as if his perspective wouldn't be recolored by meeting a wonderful
Gus, and as if there was anything wrong with plumbers - but when paired with
Al, it really does sound like a pair of plumbers, or southern used car dealers.