Alvin

Boy Names
1

Not pregnant yet but going to be trying for our first. [name_f]My[/name_f] husband and I both quite like the name [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] for a boy. I’m wondering if the chipmunk reference is still too strong? He doesn’t care about that but I can see it becoming somewhat annoying to hear “like the chipmunk??” all the time :joy:

[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] is another name I like, but it’s much more common than I think I’d prefer. And [name_m]Albin[/name_m] would be okay, though I had a teacher with this name and still prefer the meaning/sound of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m]

So, thoughts on the usability of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m]?

1 Like
2

I don’t have any comments about the usability but my sister has a friend called [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] (spelt differently but pronounced the same) and she does call him a chipmunk, so the association will come up at some point.

3

I think you’d definitely get the chipmunk comment a lot, but nothing’s wrong with the name. You could call him “Al” or “Vinnie” as a nickname!

[name_m]Arvin[/name_m] and [name_m]Galvin[/name_m] are similar. I like the alternatives you suggested, [name_m]Albin[/name_m] and [name_m]Calvin[/name_m], as well. One of my family names is [name_m]Alvis[/name_m] if you like that at all.

Honestly, I would just name him [name_m]Alvin[/name_m]. The chipmunk reference will eventually die, and it’s a nice name. If it becomes a serious bother, you could just introduce him by a nickname.

4

I do think of the chipmunk straightaway. However, I also know two adult Alvins. They both go by [name_m]Al[/name_m], so you wouldn’t even know their full name unless you knew them well. Both were too put off by the “AllllllVIN!!!” screams and chipmunk comments.

I don’t think it is completely unusable. The association may keep fading over time. I know there were those chipmunk movies released several years ago but nothing super recent. I also think there is quite a large number of people who share names with something pop culture that get by fine.

[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] is one of my favorite names and [name_m]Albin[/name_m] is really cool however you clearly love [name_m]Alvin[/name_m]. If that name makes your heart sing, that should outweigh the chipmunk association :slight_smile: good luck!

1 Like
5

I don’t remember what year the new Chipmunks movie came out, but the boys I used to babysit for (they’re in middle school now) are very familiar with the chipmunk reference.

Unless there’s another remake, kids of your son’s generation probably won’t think of the chipmunk, and adults should be able to avoid saying anything out loud (should be).

I would prefer [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] or [name_m]Galvin[/name_m] myself.

7

I love [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] as an alt, and you could also consider [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m]. Could [name_m]Alban[/name_m] be different enough from [name_m]Albin[/name_m]?

8

I adore the name [name_m]Alvin[/name_m], it’s one of my favorites. I think I’m in the minority, but I much prefer it to [name_m]Calvin[/name_m].

9

Thanks guys! It’s such a lovely name, I’d hate for it to be tied to the chipmunk forever lol.

@racheljean13 I didn’t know [name_m]Alvis[/name_m] existed, that’s pretty cool! Like [name_m]Elvis[/name_m] :grin:

@LaurenAlexis Yeah, I imagine most of the comments would come from adults nowadays, and I’m hoping they’re done making movies so the association can just fade out already lol

2 Likes
10

I do think of the chipmunk movie unfortunately but I don’t think its unusable

11

I think it’s usable! Maybe when children are young there will be strong chipmunk associations, but I know an [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] who is my age (teenager) and I’ve never thought of the chipmunk due to his name. I’ve also never heard anyone else mention the chipmunk to him.

12

I didn’t like [name_m]Alvin[/name_m], and not b.c. of the Chipmunks bc I didn’t know them until I had grandkids (my husband’s daughter’s kids) but then I saw footage of [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] Ailey dancing. Oh my [name_m]Lord[/name_m].

I now see [name_m]Alvin[/name_m] as the name of a powerful and charismatic artist, not a Chipmunk (though they are cute).

I like [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] too. Is it popular? I know one in his 70’s, but that’s it. It’s more puritanical sounding to me, Calvinism, etc.

I don’t care for [name_m]Albin[/name_m], but I love [name_m]Albion[/name_m].