Nickname - Known As?

[NameChange1180]

Hi, I’m wondering if I can have some guidance! Our child has a shortened name that we use 99% of the time and a longer name (the name on his birth certificate) that is only ever used for forms etc. We chose a longer name for the birth certificate but always at the moment use his nick name. It’s along the lines of Samuel shortened to Sam or Benjamin shortened to Ben. I’ve noticed at the doctors etc he is always referred to as his longer name and there’s no option for a preferred name. I was wondering if anyone else with a long “official” name has the same and how they dealt with it more when going to school etc? Thank you!

I have this exact thing with one of my kids. It’s not a problem. School very quickly catch on to the child wanting the short name used, my child never has the long name used apart from as you say GP etc

Doctors generally have a comment field on the records where that sort of info can go.

Honestly though, what I'd recommend - having a similar shortened nickname myself - is to just not worry much about it. The kid presumably knows their name(s), or is too young to care.

The schools asked for preferred name, its never been an issue. I think some people forget she has a long name for official purposes

Our school has a section on the form for the full name and a separate section for what the child would like to be known as. Both mine have shortened names that we use every day and this works perfectly.

School will quickly get used to the preferred name, I honestly wouldn’t worry about doctors etc, it’s just what’s on official records.

School admin software all has a field for preferred name. In some cultures it is very normal for a child to be given one name, but to be called something entirely different and schools are very used to dealing with this.

Please do make clear to school if you are happy for your child's preferred name to be used in writing also. A lot of parents write the preferred name on the form, but are then disappointed that the child's peg name/tray label/seating plan all have the preferred name on. It's a lot of admin relabelling things when a parent points out "I wanted you to call her Rose, but I want Rosemary labelling her belongings" on the child's first day at school! If you're crystal clear no one minds at all.

Sounds perfectly normal to me. Family and friends use the shortened name. Formal/officials use the full name.

My name can be shortened and I usually tell people "oh please call me DD". Unless they're really annoying and up themselves then I say "oh please call me Mrs Dinosaur".

If it's bothering you a lot you could always get his name changed to the shortened version officially by deed poll.

Very helpful regarding schools - thank you!!