Short surname long first name?

[rollerbaby]

What's your view on length of names? We've got a short surname and I'm interested to know if people think 2 short names sound daft!

I like Alexander but a bit worried I don't like the shortened version that much. Would it be daft to call your baby a name that you prefer the longer version of?

[Tori27]

I think you have to accept that kids will all end up with a nickname. I'm Victoria and my dad hated Vicky. My brother couldn't say Victoria when I was born (he was 2) and called me Tori which has stuck - I'm now 28 and am still Tori (if I tell people I'm Victoria they automatically call me Vicky, which I'm not used to so just don't realise they're talking to me).

My cousin has a short first name and so his nickname is a shortened version of his surname - you can't win.

Choose names you like and accept school mates will change it but you can stick to the name at home.

Also, we have a short surname and considered Finn for a boy (we had DD so wasn't an issue). How often do you actually say your full name? As long as it sounds okay, just pick the first name you like. Although be a bit sensible - I like the name Willow but my married surname is also a tree so it sounded like I was listing trees! ;-)

Happy choosing! x

[Tori27]

You can shorten Alexander to Xander - might work, although I like Alex anyway.

[domesticsluttery]

Both of my sons have one syllable first names and we have a one syllable surname. I like the fact that their names are short and snappy.

[A1980]

I'm a woman and have been saddled with Alex as a nn for Alexandra whether I like it or not.

TBH Alex is a pretty cool nickname for girls or boys. You can't be teased for it and the long name Alexander is lovely and you don;t have to accept people shortening it if you don't want to.

[fuschiagroan]

I only have 3 syllables and 7 letters in my entire name. I quite like it

[nooka]

We have a short strong sounding surname, and have either two or three syllable names. Both work fine. Personally I prefer names with a bit of choice, so my children have names with a few options. Thinking about the single syllable shortenings of their names they don't combine very well with our surname, but then I don't think you would use them formally anyway (well I wouldn't).

I think it is fine to chose a name where you prefer the long version, but I wouldn't go for something where you actively dislike the most common shortening as it might get used at some point, and although you may have some control over this when they are younger if they chose to be called the form you don't like there's not much you can do. Alexander can go to Alec or Sandy too.