My SO and I are in love with this name for a boy. We have argued over other names and nothing seems right but this one. Unfortunately so many people we know dislike it and think he’s just gonna get bullied. We heard the name through our favourite show Vikings which is very special to us. Aethelwulf is a historical name however it doesn’t seem like it was used much. What do you all think of Aethelwulf? Is it too much? Your responses are greatly appreciated!
It’s way too much, in my opinion.
I think it is too much. Would prefer [name_m]Wolf[/name_m], possibly [name_m]Wolfgang[/name_m].
Aethelwulf hasn’t been wearable for at least 500 years…
I think it’s pretty cool, honestly. It’s special to the two of you, and that is what is most important. I work as a teacher in a public school, and I see a lot of the same names repeated over and over, but even when there is something very unique, kids accept it. The sort of bullying that we as parents are afraid of really doesn’t happen in schools anymore (in my experience), thanks to new laws preventing it and extensive anti-bullying policies at schools. Kids may take a little while to get used to it or say it correctly, but they will. Be prepared to educate people on your pronunciation, and decide if you will always call him Aethelwulf, or typically shorten it to [name_m]Wulf[/name_m], Aethe, etc., and be consistent - kids, friends, and teachers will follow your lead.
Follow your heart. Name him Aethelwulf, or let it inspire a modern name with similar sounds - [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Wolf[/name_m], as one example. My daughter casts her vote for Aethelwulf!
Sorry, but it is way too much in my opinion. I feel like he would get teased and it would be complicated to spell.
I think it’s strong and beautiful and too much all at the same time.
I prefer unusual names in general so I say if you are really drawn go for it. Otherwise use it as a middle name with a short one-syllable first name. That way you can refer to him using both so you get to use the name within committing to such a “big” name in a world of naysayers.
Some first name suggestions:
[name_m]Ben[/name_m] Aethelwulf
[name_m]Tom[/name_m] Aethelwulf
[name_m]Bram[/name_m] Aethelwulf
[name_m]Miles[/name_m] Aethelwulf ([name_m]Miles[/name_m] is one of my front-runners)
It’s too much.
Aethelwulf sounds really cool but I don’t think that it’s usable.
It would probably get shortened and he’d be called [name_f]Ethel[/name_f].
Maybe as a middle name?
Agree with others that it’s ‘too much’ for a first name, but could definitely be a mn. But in the end it’s up to you, and I don’t think he’d be teased, so much as asked how to pronounce it/spell it. It’s doesn’t bring to mind any strange connotations, just a bit of a mouthful imo.
If you like it, go for it! If he was teased, he could always go by a nickname.