Just interested to know something.

32 replies

sugarplumfairy28 · 02/12/2016 16:51

Why do people choose a (usually in my experience) a longer 'normal' name with no intention of ever using it to justify a nickname?

I just can't seem to wrap my head ahead it.

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Sophronia · 02/12/2016 17:20

To give them options of what they want to go by later in life. Because nicknames are often diminutives that can make people appear younger which could result in them being taken less seriously professionally as adults (e.g. people might see an Edward as being more professional than a Teddy). Because (I think) it's traditional. Putting a shortened form on the birth certificate seems to be quite a new thing.

TwitterQueen1 · 02/12/2016 17:19

We chose long names for each child so they could choose how they want to be known. Each one could be made into about 3 or 4 nicknames. Their choice.

I have a 3-syllable name but no-one ever shortens it. Ever. Because I won't let them. My choice.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 02/12/2016 17:17

We have a very short surname, I like the fact it gives them a few options and a more interesting name

Gruffalosfriend · 02/12/2016 17:13

I actually wonder why people 'choose' nicknames in advance? In my opinion they should evolve naturally and often have little resemblance with the full name.

Pemba · 02/12/2016 17:12

And you can call them by the long version when they are in trouble!

My own name is a 'classic' and I'm usually called by the full version, but my family always call me the shortened version. It's nice to have options, and I'd have felt shortchanged if they'd chosen to put the short version on my birth certificate. It just doesn't sound serious, IMO, though in more recent years the short form alone has become much more popular.

AlmaMartyr · 02/12/2016 16:58

We did so that DD had options later on in life. My name is similar and I'm glad that I can choose - I use the long version professionally and the short version informally.

RNBrie · 02/12/2016 16:55

My dd has a longer normal name but we use a nickname at home. It's in case she wants to use a more grown up name when she's older. It also helped smooth relations with the grandparents who would have been a bit horrified if we'd just give her a nickname as a first name. It's totally up to her which she goes by as she grows up.

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