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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

nn for Pamela

44 replies

Mish85 · 24/02/2020 12:23

What would be a good nn for Pamela? There's Pam of course, but wondering what else could work? Do you think it's a stretch when people nn names not obvious to its source? It's a family name so would be great to have as first name, but wondering if there's a way to make it more unique. Could a Pamela have a nn such as Polly or Pearl? Thanks 😊

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Wintersun13 · 26/02/2020 21:42

I wouldn't call her Pamela in the hope the name will be cool in 30 years, as these things are really impossible to predict.

Similarly, calling her Pamela and assuming that people will use the nickname you chose is not realistic. Or at the very least, you're taking a big risk that it won't work.

If you like the name, use it as first name (even with other Pamelas in the family, context should make it clear who's being talked about).

If you don't like the name but want to honour someone, middle name is a viable option.

Starstruck2020 · 26/02/2020 21:17

Lola Id say Pamolo as a cutesy name then stretch it to Lola.

I know 3 Pamelas

40, 50s and 65 Two get called Pam all the time the other is a Pamela.

Chottie · 26/02/2020 19:27

Pammie - like Pammie Ewing in Dallas

MooseBreath · 26/02/2020 16:01

3-Steaks Pam

TheVanguardSix · 26/02/2020 14:19

I love the name Pamela! What a gorgeous name.

Pammy
Lala
Mimi

CandyApple1995 · 26/02/2020 14:17

I love Ella for a nickname, think it works well x

LesLavandes · 26/02/2020 14:09

I love the name, Pamela. It is used in Italy and Italian and French pronunciations are so beautiful and sexy!

TW2013 · 26/02/2020 06:44

Do be aware that in school supply teachers (and some regular teachers who like to annoy) will insist on using the birth certificate name. One of ours has a name which is often considered to be a nickname, still some teachers try to guess/assume/enforce whichever 'proper name' they think we should have named our child much to the hilarity of classmates for some dc. Fortunately none of the possible names for our dc are awful and it is a quick and easy way to spot idiot teachers. They don't like it when it is pointed out that they are the ones making up a name and the nickname is the one on the birth certificate so they are definitely wrong.

BrightonBB · 26/02/2020 06:23

Have you asked your Pamela if she actually likes her name?

Original poster
Mish85 · 25/02/2020 22:44

Thanks everyone. Yes I thought people might not be a fan of the nn not fully reflecting the full name. The Pamela in the family is still alive and a called Pam and Pammy, hence why I was thinking something different to differentiate them.

OP posts:
MyNameHasBeenTaken · 25/02/2020 21:26

No reason why you can't!
I was not christened bubbles or anything like bubbles. But it was my nn in my teens (after completing a week of double shifts in a factory and still smiling!)

EoinMcLovesCakeJumper · 25/02/2020 16:28

I only know two Pamelas - a friend who's in her 40s and is only ever known as Pamela, and my 75 year old mother, who is always Pam. My dad sometimes calls her Spamalot because he knows it annoys her, though. I think it's a bit odd to feel so strongly about using a name, and then start thinking of nicknames that bear no resemblance to the original. If you really like Pamela, why would you want to call her Polly or Pearl instead??

Crystal87 · 25/02/2020 08:17

Bizarre. Just don't give her that name if
you're going to call her something completely different.

MiniGuinness · 25/02/2020 06:07

Love Pamela. I think Polly or Pearl work. My nickname is nothing like my real name, but it works. I also love Pamela Pearl as a pp suggested.

Bl3ss3dm0m · 25/02/2020 05:48

Sorry but I can't understand the pp's who suggested "Melly" as nn. She would soon start to be called smelly Melly at school, so please don't choose that!

BrightonBB · 25/02/2020 03:35

Quite telling that all the people called Pamela hate the name Pamela and Pam and Pammie. That’s what I’d take from this OP.

Astronica · 25/02/2020 03:29

I think Milly would work well for Pamela. I've known several Amelia's who go by Milly/Millie and think it would be just as good for Pamela. Also think Mimi is a good idea.

Marilynmansonsothereye · 25/02/2020 01:51

mona so you told the internet Wink milla is a great name! I'm not sure on Pamela unless you begin calling her polly from day1 and just have Pamela as official I can't think it could work . Polly is a lovely name though. Pamela pearl could work and go by Pearl, but I'd be scared of the two ps together 'Hey Peepee' at school. Actually though, with the initials, 'Pipi' could be a nickname??

JollyGiraffe12 · 25/02/2020 01:40

Pammie, Milla, Mills, Mimi, Pamcake Grin

Kokeshi123 · 25/02/2020 01:31

I always think it's a shame that society did not stick to the original "paMEEla" pronunciation, which was quite pretty. "Pamela" always makes me think of "pummel"---not a very graceful word.

dennisdonut · 24/02/2020 23:48

I wouldn’t use it just for the five sisters reference

z0fl0ra · 24/02/2020 23:43

Pamsy/pansy while she’s still a cute kid? I agree though an outdated name and if you don’t like it enough that you’re trying to get a nickname use it for a middle name!

Original poster
Mish85 · 24/02/2020 23:33

Thanks for the feedback everyone, some good nns there actually. I know it's a name not yet back in fashion, and not to everyone's taste. Very rich in literary history which I like, as well as the family connection, but I'll see how it fits 😊. Yes, was thinking that about it sounding like different names, makes sense. Do you think some of these names that aren't yet fashionable could just be ahead of the curve? By the time the little Pamela is in 30's the name would be in the 100 yr old category and she'll be in her prime when the name is cool again? If that makes sense 🙃

OP posts:
Astronica · 24/02/2020 22:48

I think you could use Polly for Pamela. I take a broader view on nns than most people though. I would also consider Tippi for Pamela (actress Tippi Hedren is Nathalie) as well as Pip, Pippin or Petal. Just try some out and see what takes.

Bananaman123 · 24/02/2020 21:41

This is my name, i hate it actually, i introduce myself as Pamela and people automatically call me Pam which pisses me right off, i hate it and to me it sounds like i should be my grans age.