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Baby names

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

Original poster

Libby?

58 replies

Nameornickname · 04/05/2023 22:51

What are people’s thoughts on Libby as a full name on the birth certificate, rather than officially being Elizabeth? I’ve always disliked shortened names, so I feel like a complete hypocrite for considering this name for our DD! But it’s the only one that DH and I both like. Please be honest.

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fairycupcakes · 06/05/2023 19:30

Inclined to agree with most PPs here that it’s too nicknamey. Cute on a child but perhaps as a grown adult she’d like more options. How about Liberty?

DramaAlpaca · 06/05/2023 19:17

Hazelnuttella · 05/05/2023 08:43

I know an Olivia called Libby. That might be an option instead of Elizabeth?

I was going to suggest this.

I like Libby, but would want Olivia or Elizabeth on the bc. Not Liberty though.

VintedoreBay · 05/05/2023 19:02

If you love Libby, use Libby. No point using a full version of the name just because of societal norms and convention, even more so if it's one you dislike.

I gave my oldest DC a name I love, it's a diminutive. I get asked a lot if they are actually 'full name' or just 'diminutive'? It annoys me greatly! There's no just about it. It's their name.

choochooandspook · 05/05/2023 19:00

definitely use Libby as the full name, I thought it was a full name anyway

choochooandspook · 05/05/2023 18:56

oh I love the name Libby, not overused either

Catlady74 · 05/05/2023 18:46

My daughter’s name is Elisabeth and she chose Libby as her shortened name when she was around 8yrs old. I’d always go for a full name on a birth certificate. It’s just my personal preference.

KirstenBlest · 05/05/2023 18:36

@MisschiefMaker , they introduce themselves as Betty, Lizzie etc. so that's what they are known as. No correction needed.

MisschiefMaker · 05/05/2023 18:07

KirstenBlest · 05/05/2023 13:54

Don't go with Elizabeth. It's really challenging for Elizabeths to be known as anything other than Liz.

I can only think of 3 women known as Liz, most of the one's I know are called Betty! I can think of one known as Lisa, a Lizzie, an Elsie, an Elsa, a Bess and a Bessie.

That's nice but I bet they have to keep correcting people.

KirstenBlest · 05/05/2023 13:54

ones not one's.

KirstenBlest · 05/05/2023 13:54

Don't go with Elizabeth. It's really challenging for Elizabeths to be known as anything other than Liz.

I can only think of 3 women known as Liz, most of the one's I know are called Betty! I can think of one known as Lisa, a Lizzie, an Elsie, an Elsa, a Bess and a Bessie.

midsomermurderess · 05/05/2023 13:49

I don't like Libby. It's infantile and sounds like a toddler siblings attempt to say the full name.

MalvoliosMother · 05/05/2023 13:23

I know a couple of teenage Libbys. I had no idea it wasn't a name in its own right and is a diminutive for Elizabeth! I shall have to ask them/ their parents when I next see them.
I think it works as a proper name in its own right.

Neversaygoodbye · 05/05/2023 12:53

It's all so personal. My name isn't one that can be shortened easily and the usual shortening people do use, including may family, I absolutely hate!
For that reason I wanted my kids to have names that could be shortened in different variations both first and middle names. My DD actually has Elizabeth as her middle name so doesn't really use it, but my preferred shortening has always been Libby, I really like it.

Original poster
Nameornickname · 05/05/2023 12:47

@sunshineandmango good point, lots of shortened names do tend to be the default now. My name is not one that can really be shortened, so it’s difficult for me to gauge how my DD will feel, but at least I know she won’t be alone if we do opt for the name.

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 05/05/2023 12:39

MisschiefMaker · 05/05/2023 10:11

Don't go with Elizabeth. It's really challenging for Elizabeths to be known as anything other than Liz. At school Libby will be accepted but in adult life Liz will follow her everywhere and she'll always have to correct them and even then some people won't accept that she isn't a Liz.

It isn't. Liz is a older nn, unusual under 50.

I know a couple of Lizzys in their late 30s or 40s, but they are never Liz.

Ella/Ellie is the most standard for younger adults, plus Libby and Beth, and Betsy, Bessie, Elsie, Ellie and Eliza for children now.

Original poster
Nameornickname · 05/05/2023 12:09

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 05/05/2023 06:10

Dislike it intensely. Apart from it being the almost default name for the middle class harassed mother who is the central character in one of those psycho thrillers where her best friend turns out to be a nutter who is trying to kill her so she can marry her husband.
(If she's not called Libby she's called Olivia)

This is very specific 😂

OP posts:
MisschiefMaker · 05/05/2023 10:11

Don't go with Elizabeth. It's really challenging for Elizabeths to be known as anything other than Liz. At school Libby will be accepted but in adult life Liz will follow her everywhere and she'll always have to correct them and even then some people won't accept that she isn't a Liz.

caringcarer · 05/05/2023 09:56

I'd use Liberty on birth certificate then use Libby as pet name.

amylou8 · 05/05/2023 08:43

I really like it and think it works fine as a full name.

Hazelnuttella · 05/05/2023 08:43

I know an Olivia called Libby. That might be an option instead of Elizabeth?

sunshineandmango · 05/05/2023 08:42

Edit: I meant to write Betty not Lottie xD clearly haven’t had my morning coffee yet!

sunshineandmango · 05/05/2023 08:39

Also going against the grain here but I think if you love Libby and have no intention of ever calling her the full name, I’d register as Libby. I really like it. There are so many babies of the current generation registered with names that traditionally were considered nicknames (Evie, Hattie, Lottie, Indie, Teddy etc the list goes on) that there will be nothing unusual with this in her generation. Libby and Elizabeth have very different vibes so it seems silly to me to register her with a name that you dislike and don’t wish to use. Also if you register as Elizabeth it could well get shortened to Liz, Lizzie, Beth, Lottie etc by others whether you like it or not, so depends how much this bothers you. Good luck in your decision!

gogohmm · 05/05/2023 06:57

Use a full name on her birth certificate, gives her options as an adult

Doingmybest12 · 05/05/2023 06:55

Too cutsy for me, reminds me of a young child who can't pronounce their words clearly. So fine as nick name but not full name for me.

Oldermum84 · 05/05/2023 06:12

I like it. I'm the opposite to others and think if you want to name them the nickname why give them a longer name? Eg. Why name someone Charles when you want to call them Charlie, or Katherine when you want to call them Katie. Just name them the name you want to call them IMO.

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