I have recently discovered the name Alfur, and I feel like I’ve met the name of my dreams! It has the spelling connection to Alfred (a meaningful family name), it has Nordic origins, and it has a magical meaning (elf), plus the nickname Alfie. The only thing is that I’m not sure on how to spell it.
The traditional spelling is Àlfr, but I’m not sure how well that would be taken in modern day outside of Northwestern Europe. Other spellings I’ve been able to find are Alfur, Aulfr, Alfarr, Alfor, & Alfore, and a few others from here.
My question is: which do you like more? Also any other thoughts on the name would be great too!
See the results of this poll: Which do you prefer?
I would definitely go with the easiest spelling possible. [name_m]Even[/name_m] as a Scandinavian myself I have no idea how to pronounce it if you spelled it Àlfr.
Besides that, Alfur and Alfor are the spellings I like the best. I think it’s a great name and because it sounds a bit like [name_m]Alfred[/name_m] it has that “unusual but not unheard of” appeal.
When I saw the thread title, I thought “traditional; people will learn!” but clicking through and seeing that the choice is between Àlfr and Alfur, I’d recommend going with the latter. I don’t know if you intend to stay in [name_f]Canada[/name_f], but growing up with a name so difficult to pronounce/spell intuitively in the local language(s) feels like it would be a real headache for your child. And hearing from @frey-j that even a Scandinavian isn’t sure on Àlfr makes me even more sure!
I like Alfur, Alfor and Alfarr best from the options, with the latter being my favourite by a whisker. But I would say go with whichever seems phonetically closest (in English) to the sound you want. It’s already a strikingly unusual name – although it definitely feels usable and accessible because of the familiar sounds and nickname potential – so no need to complicate things further.
It sounds nice, but none of spellings are visually pleasing. I’d go with Alfur despite the furry jokes just because it’s probably the simplest spelling
Of the suggestions you listed, my favorites are Alfur, and Alfar/Alfarr, and Alfore. They make more phonetic sense and would be easiest for your child when they reach school age.
[name_m]Alfred[/name_m] is a favorite of mine, and didnt realize there were so many variations. It’s awesome that you’ve found a name that you love.
Looking at the other spellings reminds me of the name Alfaro, but it’s completely unrelated to [name_m]Alfred[/name_m]. Means Lighthouse.