I’ve considered the name [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] for years. I know it’s a little controversial, but I really like it. It was my husband’s grandpa’s middle name, and we want to honor him with this baby’s name. Our top choice for a boy has been [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] [name_u]Glenn[/name_u] ([name_u]Glenn[/name_u] was his first name), which I still really like and would be happy using, but recently I’ve been wondering if we actually need to throw out [name_m]Alvin[/name_m]. It would definitely be a contender if not for the cartoon association, as my husband is also a fan and I love the nickname [name_u]Alvy[/name_u].
I’ve never seen the cartoon, and neither has my husband, but maybe we’re in the minority. [name_f]My[/name_f] biggest hangup with it is that I also have a name that’s shouted in a movie (it’s similar to [name_m]Adrian[/name_m], like in the [name_m]Rocky[/name_m] movies). It’s never made me like my name any less, but there’s just a certain type of person that thinks it’s so funny to shout my name at me like in the movie and I hate it. I don’t want to set my kid up for a lifetime of the same annoyance. That being said, it’s often the same type of person that asks me why I’m so quiet, so maybe there are some people who just say irritating things no matter what.
So, basically, is it crazy to consider [name_m]Alvin[/name_m]? And am I being paranoid about the name-shouting thing?
I don’t think it’s crazy! I do think of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] and the Chipmunks when I see the name, but I don’t think that makes it unusable. I go to school with an [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] and nobody has said anything about the chipmunks, but if we were in elementary school I do think it would come up occasionally.
I think it depends on if the movie references are a deal breaker for you. If they are, maybe you could use it as a middle name? That way it doesn’t come up in daily life, which would probably avoid any cartoon references.
To be honest, I do think it’s better suited as a middle name. I’m not sure about you, but a remake of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] and the Chipmunks is still running on Nickelodeon here and kids know it and watch it. It’s not the most flattering namesake
I immediately think of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] and the Chipmunks, so I’d find it a little funny. I hear their little voices singing in my head. I do prefer the flow of [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] [name_u]Glenn[/name_u]. [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] has the “al” sound in it twice.
I love [name_m]Alvin[/name_m], and I reckon go for it. Personally it’s been YEARS since I saw [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] and the chipmunks, and as a teacher it’s not something any of the kids in my classes ever talk about… seems like something from a very different generation to the one your boy will grow up in.
I couldn’t work out whether it means you’d change the name to [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] or [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] [name_u]Glenn[/name_u] or what… I do think the flow maybe won’t be as nice as [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] [name_u]Glenn[/name_u], but worth it to have a name you love.
Thanks everyone for the feedback! Very helpful to see some arguments for both sides. And it’s good to know there are other people who like [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] too
Alvin is one of my newest loves and favorite names! I had it in my UC until I named a character it. I know people associate it with the cartoon, but I personally would love to see it becomepopular again.
Have you considered [name_m]Ivan[/name_m]? It’s similar to [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] and could work as an honor! Personally thought of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] in the Chipmunk and I’m a teen (didn’t know there was a cartoon but watched the movies )
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