 Nicknamed "Sampson Brass" and "Skittles" by his father, Alfred Dickens was born at 1 Devonshire Terrace, near Regent's Park, and was baptized at the church of St. Mary Marylebone in London on 21 April 1846.He was named after his godfathers, Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Count Alfred D'Orsay.Because of this choice of godfathers Alfred's christening became a popular topic among literary people.