View Message

[Opinions] Frederick vs. Fredrick
My grandfather was named just Fred, and I wouldn't mind honoring him in a future child's name, but my problem is that I think just Fred on its own isn't very "complete". I like Frederick / Fredrick, though I have mixed feelings about that extra 'e' in there. I pronounce the name like you would Fredrick either way. I feel like Frederick may cause people to add another syllable in there that I don't care for. But I also feel like Fredrick seems "misspelled" when I look at it written down, though I know names can't really be misspelled. How do you say Frederick (or Fredrick if they're different in your opinion)? How would you spell it? Is there another variant you prefer? What do you think of Freddie as a nickname (at least while he's younger)?
Archived Thread - replies disabled
vote up1

Replies

I LOVE just Fred! Frederick / Fredrick is alright, but it seems so upper class, even slightly stuffy. Fred is just friendly and approachable, a guy who makes friends easily. I pronounce Frederick and Fredrick the same way and prefer the Frederick spelling. Freddie is a great nn, but I don’t think it only works for a child and I also think it can be a full name. If it was me, I’d go with Fred and call him Freddie sometimes.
vote up1
Maybe I will have to consider just Fred. I will have to see what my SO thinks. Honestly, I was surprised he even liked Frederick!
vote up1
I pronounce it the same. I'd spell it Frederick thoughother Fred names - Alfred, Wilfred Manfred Siegfred Sigfred Wilfredo Alfredo Fredrickson Frederickson Godofredo Goffredo Hunfredo Onofredo Winfred Elfreda Freda Frederica Frederique Alfreda Fredia Fredericia Wilfreda Winfreda Alfredia Fredalena Frederina Fredricia
vote up1
I pronounce Frederick as FRED-ə-rik, and Fredrick as FRED-rik, and I much prefer the initial spelling. I adore Freddie, it's jaunty and energetic, as well as being associated with Freddie Mercury.
vote up1
Ooh I had somehow forgotten the association with Freddie Mercury! I like it. The only other Freds I could think of were Fred Flintstone and Fred from Scooby Doo.
vote up1
Fred Astaire, Freddie Flintoff (although cricket might not be a big deal where you are...) and Fred Rogers are pretty famous too!Freddie Mercury is excellent.
vote up1
Ahh, yes! Thank you for the more famous Fred/Freddies! :)
vote up1
I think that Frederick and Deborah are pretty similar, pronunciation-wise. Usually they are basically two-syllabled, but for special emphasis (Fred-er-ick, tidy your room or I'll throw all your mess away! Deb-or-ah, finish your cabbage, there's nothing wrong with it!) what is otherwise a neutral vowel hardly pronounced at all becomes a fully fledged syllable.And so, since Fredrick looks like a spelling error and will lead to constant explanations for as long as its owner is alive, I would use the traditional spelling, in which the second e isn't 'extra' at all, it's historically accurate.It is a good name! Given enough sons, I'd have seriously considered it. Freddie is fine on a small boy, but it will become Fred later on, which is also fine. Plus, if you leave the second e unmolested, he might choose to become Derick!
vote up1
Yes, I think I would probably go with Frederick in the end because of all the reasons you stated and others have stated. I'm not a fan of Derick, but I could live with Freddie when younger turning to Fred when he's older. I definitely cut the middle syllables out of both Frederick and Deborah when I pronounce them!
vote up1
Of your two options, I’d go with Frederick. Fredrick looks misspelled to me. My favourite “full version” of the name is Frederik, though.Alfred or Wilfred could also give you the Fred/Freddie option, in case you’d like more options.
vote up1
I prefer Frederick. Actually the spelling I love most is Frederic. Never cared much for Fred or Freddie as a nickname. Fred brings to mind Fred Flintstone and I just don’t care for Freddie. I really don’t know why. Maybe when he’s 2 but not when he’s 10.

This message was edited 7/11/2020, 8:10 AM

vote up1
Frederick is one of my favourite names! I pronounce it with the extra syllable but I don’t think it would be a problem because some people pronounce it without the syllable and even if they don’t it’s not too hard to correct or say. Fredrick doesn’t look misspelled if you are going to pronounce it like that. Also the nickname Freddie is adorable!
vote up1
Absolutely Frederick. Love it! Fredrick looks wrong to me.
vote up1
Frederick ~NT~
vote up1
Frederick because it's the most commonly used so it's less confusing.Freddie is really nice.You could just use Fred to honour your grandfather. It worked for him!Or Alfred or Wilfred "Freddie" if you're not a fan of Frederick.
vote up1