Name Dilemma

kitkatkate01

I'd love to get your thoughts and opinions on this...

DH and I found out on Wednesday that we're expecting a baby boy and so we've been trying to choose a name. Neither of our families named us (or our siblings) after family members but I would really love to honor my dad since I'm really close with him. The problem, however, is that his name is Alvin and I don't really like the name at all and I hate the association of Alvin & the Chipmunks. He doesn't have a middle name so that's a dead end and my maiden name isn't first name material so we're kind of stuck. DH suggested the name Calvin, which I think is better than Alvin but I still dislike it.

Does anybody have any creative suggestions of how I can honor my father or should I just use it as a middle name since it's a family name? And any suggestions for a first name to pair Alvin with would be great as well!

benmel31

We plan to honor our grandparents who have passed away by naming our child a name that begins with the first letter of one of our grandparents.  You could just choose another A name.

KearaD

I think Alvin would be a fine middle name. I really like Calvin, too. Another way to honor your dad would be to give your child the same initials as your dad -- like his first and middle initials would be your dad's first and last since he doesn't have a middle name. 

It's hard to suggest a first name to go with Alvin since you haven't given us any hints about your naming style. What are some names/ types of names you like? 

cmeinla

I knew an Alvin growing up.  Yes I do think of Alvin and the Chipmunks whenever I hear that name, but if I were face to face with him, it wasn't like the song was running through my head.  So honestly it wouldn't bother me, to just name him Alvin.  But if you don't love it as a first name it does make a great mn.

James Alvin

Thomas Alvin

Elijah Alvin actually I like this one the other way around more... Alvin Elijah

 

juniper19

I agree that Alvin is kind of a dud.  I like using it as a middle name.  Your dad will feel honored and your son will have a concrete reminder of his grandfather when he fills out forms and on diplomas and other important documents.  I think it is better than just doing an A name or Calvin or some other compromise first name that is "inspired" by your dad's name.

kitkatkate01

KearaD - some of the names that we like are Samuel, Nathan, Tristan, Tyler, Brady, and Max (although we can't use this name - it's off limits)

 

lulling

Does your father go by Al?  If so, you could name him something else (Alfred, Albert, Allen) and call him Al.

Mrs.Deputy

What about using the first 2 letters in Alvin by naming LO Alan or Alexander?

Annie984

kitkatkate01:

KearaD - some of the names that we like are Samuel, Nathan, Tristan, Tyler, Brady, and Max (although we can't use this name - it's off limits)

 

 

How about Samuel Alvin?  I think Alvin would make a nice middle name to honor your dad.

Holly TH

I think Alvin is a really good middle name.  Not so much first name, just because of the chipmunks.  

guilletskichuk

benmel31:

We plan to honor our grandparents who have passed away by naming our child a name that begins with the first letter of one of our grandparents.  You could just choose another A name.

This.

karen_loy

kitkatkate01:

KearaD - some of the names that we like are Samuel, Nathan, Tristan, Tyler, Brady, and Max (although we can't use this name - it's off limits)

 

I think nathan alvin and samuel alvin flow well

brooklynesque

My FIL's name is Alvin and DH and I might well use the name as a middle name if we ever have a boy.  I actually love the slight nerdiness of it (for a mn -- would be too much for a fn!).

I love James Alvin and Thomas Alvin.  It goes great as a mn with many other first names.

msmerymac

My dad's name is John and I'm considering using another version of John, such as Ian, for a future son.

 

Here are some other versions of Alvin and names that have the same meaning:

 

https://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Alvin

 

Alvin has 19 variant forms: Ailwyn, Al, Aloin, Aluin, Aluino, Alva, Alvan, Alven, Alvie, Alvy, Alvyn, Alwin, Alwyn, Alwynn, Aylwin, Elvin, Elwin, Elwyn and Elwynn.

lisa5201

What month was he born? 

Does he have a favorite hobby? Author? Literary character? Travel destination?Could you take some other inspiration and turn it into a way to honor your dad? It might make it even more personal and meaningful

For instance if your dad was born in August this would make a great first or middle (the rest of the month names are a little girly imo)

If he likes motorcycles, Harley would work. Hunter and Fisher would work if either of these were hobbies. There's a wealth of authors and literary characters out there. You might also draw inspiration from your dad's favorite actor or movie character. I'm a fan of place names. Maybe your dad was born in Dallas or enjoys visiting Boston? Is he a sports fan, does he have an absolutely favorite player? A historical figure he admires?

You could honor him in so many different ways, come up with a name you probably like better, and have a cool story to tell about the name 

 

SassyRedhead

Here's the thing, if you aren't using his actual name - Alvin, how is ANY other  name honoring  him?  I just don't get that.  How would anyone ever know that Calvin = honoring your dad Alvin? 

 My advice is use his actual name as a first or middle name or move on. 

SnoopyLuv

Why don't you ask him for help naming your LO? Maybe he doesn't like his name either and always liked the name James or Cole or whatever.

If that doesn't work out Alvin is a fine MN.