Page 7 | "Nicknames" as first names

Confusion101 · 2022-05-15T15:00:51+00:00

I often see on the baby name threads that people don't like a name because they classify it as a "nickname" or shortened version of a longer name. I was just wondering why people don't like this? Most of the names on my list are shortened versions because I don't know why we would write one name on the birth cert when we know we would call the child by another name. Just wondering so I don't regret my decision

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RandomMess · 15/05/2022 16:21

Most Harry's aren't Henry's 🤷🏽‍♀️

Alex versus Alexander 🤷🏽‍♀️

Trafficjamlog · 15/05/2022 16:20

I don’t get if either. It’s ridiculous, just give them the name you plan on calling them

Original poster

Confusion101 · 15/05/2022 16:18

OwlBasket · 15/05/2022 16:12

I never got it either, then I named DS a nickname (one very much established as a name in its own right, at that). He’s 13 now and TBH now I wish I’d used the full version, although there’s no way I’d have done it at the time. His name isn’t at all cutesy or childish either.

Why do you wish you used the full name?

OP posts:

girljulian · 15/05/2022 16:16

Seriously — not stipulation! Wtf autocorrect

Original poster

Confusion101 · 15/05/2022 16:15

using Charles rather than Charlie gives the kid more options when then grow up

I always see this as one argument but then if you give them a shorter name that isnt considered a nickname e.g. Séan they don't get options when they grow up so that argument always confused me! 🙈

OP posts:

RandomMess · 15/05/2022 16:14

2 of my girls have long names that we always used but they now go by the popular nicknames for them doesn't bother me, purely their choice.

toastofthetown · 15/05/2022 16:14

girljulian · 15/05/2022 16:10

I do find it odd because Jack, for example, has been one of the most popular boys’ names for decades but it’s a nickname for John. I can’t imagine a man called Jack being taken any less stipulation than a John. Katie or Kate, likewise, both nicknames for Katharine, but often given alone. Beth. Sally. The list goes on. It seems the line between what’s an acceptable nickname and what isn’t is very arbitrary.

Yes, and I think Harry/Henry has gone the same way as Jack/John, where I’d more more surprised to find the name was a nickname than a standalone.

OwlBasket · 15/05/2022 16:12

I never got it either, then I named DS a nickname (one very much established as a name in its own right, at that). He’s 13 now and TBH now I wish I’d used the full version, although there’s no way I’d have done it at the time. His name isn’t at all cutesy or childish either.

toastofthetown · 15/05/2022 16:12

Diminutives or nicknames as full names is an absolutely massive trend at the moment. The Mumsnet views very much that these names are awful and their bearers will be held back in life because if it, but they are just so popular that if you like the names I don’t think it’s problem. As to why you’d use a fully name and diminutive rather than just the diminutive, using Charles rather than Charlie gives the kid more options when then grow up. Lots of names can’t really be nicknamed either though, so I don’t think that’s a huge dealbreaker.

girljulian · 15/05/2022 16:10

I do find it odd because Jack, for example, has been one of the most popular boys’ names for decades but it’s a nickname for John. I can’t imagine a man called Jack being taken any less stipulation than a John. Katie or Kate, likewise, both nicknames for Katharine, but often given alone. Beth. Sally. The list goes on. It seems the line between what’s an acceptable nickname and what isn’t is very arbitrary.

RandomMess · 15/05/2022 16:02

I don't get it either just put on the birth certificate what you intend to call them day in day out.

Sure DC can develop nicknames throughout their lives but that isn't the same thing.