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Love the name but it's a nn. What to do?

59 replies

snownutty · 10/12/2010 18:46

In a quandary. Have previously argued debated the case that nn's are just that and should not be used on a birth certificate. Eg can't name DD Ellie must be Eleanor with Ellie as nn. (Not the name just an example)

Big debates with DH.

Now love a name which is a nn but hate all the names this could be a nn of. What do I do? Might be a moot point as I'm only 3 months gone but I'm actually worried because if I use it I'll forever be thinking that it's not a proper name.

HELP

OP posts:
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activate · 10/12/2010 18:46

name it

AllieW · 10/12/2010 18:47

What's the nn? It's possible that it could be a nn for another name you haven't considered which you might also love and thereby solve your dilemma.

ShoppingDays · 10/12/2010 18:48

I don't like nicknames without a full name, so I'd vote for choosing something else.

Acanthus · 10/12/2010 18:54

what is it?

snownutty · 10/12/2010 18:59

Don't want judgement of name but you're right Allie. Maybe you can think of something I haven't.

It's Lexi.

OP posts:
autodidact · 10/12/2010 19:00

Spill the name, snownutty!

ShoppingDays · 10/12/2010 19:01

I'm guessing you don't like Alexandra. Which others have you ruled out? How about Alexia?

autodidact · 10/12/2010 19:01

Oh, you did already!
Well, sorry but I don't like it! However, if I did I would use it and say to hell with all the nay saying nickname haters. hth:)

DancingThroughLife · 10/12/2010 19:01

In the 1930s my Nan and her sister were give NNs as proper names. It's not a new or particularly unusual practice. Come to think of it, my name is technically a nn. I think some, like Katie, Ellie, Millie etc are becoming acceptable as names in their own right.

If that helps at all.

What's the name?

DancingThroughLife · 10/12/2010 19:03

x post.

I like Alexis as a proper name for nn Lexi.

AllieW · 10/12/2010 19:04

My niece is Lexie short for Alexia. Alexis is another possibility. As is AlexandrIa.

Ragwort · 10/12/2010 19:04

I thought that was a 'proper' name.

I wouldn't worry at all - my DC is christened a 'nickname' - same on Birth Certificate, everyone assumes it is short for something else, it isn't - but I am not particularly 'precious' if people want to use the more formal name.

snownutty · 10/12/2010 19:04

But I'm one of those nay saying nn haters auto Grin

I hate myself!

OP posts:
autodidact · 10/12/2010 19:07

Poor you! I know that feeling of being tied in knots by my own ridiculous rules!

said · 10/12/2010 19:07

Alexandra is gorgeous though (totally irrelevant) But, I bet all the Sandras in the world aren't called Alexandra

snownutty · 10/12/2010 19:09

Bloody principles!

OP posts:
sosomis · 10/12/2010 19:10

We very nearly called dd Lexie. It would have been a nn for Alexa though, so see where you're coming from...

ChippingIn · 10/12/2010 19:13

I like Lexi - but I'd probably have the same dilemma as you!

I don't like Alexandra, Alexia or Alexis (ot the E equivalents). I just had a google, but the only other one I came up with was Lexington - sounds like an area of New York to me!

How about using Lexi as her official middle name and just calling her that, loads of people do... I know it's not ideal, but it would give her a more formal name for when she wants to use it.

AnonEnormousStuffedBird · 10/12/2010 19:14

Personally, I would put a "full name" on the birth certificate, but just always use Lexi for day to day etc etc.

At least then, your DD can choose later on if she wants to revert to a "full name"....

Or you of course have Lexie, or Lexia, which looks like more a full name??

Hard, isn't it!

Teds77 · 10/12/2010 19:17

Alexandra
Alexandria
Alexandrina (Queen Victoria's first name I think)
Alexia
Alexa

?? But sounds like you might not like any of them?

Is there a female version of Felix - only other name with a 'x' I can think of.

I usually a full name type but if you like it then just do it.

AllieW · 10/12/2010 19:18

Teds, the "female" Felix is Felicity...

minipie · 10/12/2010 19:23

Sorry but I do think you need to give her a full name for birth cert purposes, just to give her the choice.

"Lexi" is not going to create a great impression on, say, an application to become a barrister. It's just too cutesy and a little bit showgirl. (I do like the name btw).

Alexa or Alexandra much better for "serious" purposes. Don't you like them? I do.

Alessia is the Italian version, maybe you prefer that? Could still just about have nn Lexi.

snownutty · 10/12/2010 19:25

Not sure if I like it but could Felicity be shortened to Lexi? Pretty sure DH would veto anyway but....

Definitely better than the Alexandra/Alexa's

OP posts:
Acanthus · 10/12/2010 19:27

I like Alexandra

WanderingInAWinterWonderland · 10/12/2010 19:29

I know a little girl who is just Lexi! Funnily enough her mum is called Sandra which isn't short for Alexandra either, it's just Sandra.

Alexa, Alexia is lovely, although I'm not keen on Alexandra for some reason. I think it's because of a girl that I went to school with.