Nicknames/ shortened versions of names

[mintimperial]

We are in the midst of trying to choose a name for DC. A couple of the names we like go well with our surname but the shortened versions do not. Along the lines of e.g. Vi (Violet) Bye - but not rhyming.

Does this matter? Would anyone notice? I anticipate that we would only use the long version with our surname anyway.

Difficult to know what you mean, since you give a rhyming example then say it doesn't rhyme - it's hard to think of anything else then!

When you say it doesn't go, do you mean it sounds ridiculous or embarrassing, or just ugly?

You may not shorten it, but at some point someone else WILL, and your DC may decide they like the short version ....

Thanks for your replies.

Percy - I couldn't think of another example! It sounds silly, very twee.

Sort of like Matilda Tucker = Tilly Tucker?

Percy - yes very much like that - but sillier. What are your thoughts?

Unless it actually makes a word or rhymes, I don't think it matters. Difficult to know unless you tell us the name though and I'm nosey

Unless it actually makes a word or rhymes, I don't think it matters. Difficult to know unless you tell us the name though and I'm nosey

Two of my DC have commonly abbreviated names. We disliked the abbreviations, but decided that we'd always use the full names. Needless to say they are only ever called by the short version - even on the school register.

If you really don't like the abbreviation, or feel that it's terrible with your surname, than don't use the name.

Do the names in question have more than one shortened version?

Personally I loathe Tilly, it's much overused for dogs round our way :o but Matilda is a lovely name and can also be shortened to Matty.

That is just an example, but I think people are naturally inclined to shorten names, and if you get people used to hearing one (Matty) they are less likely to use the other (Tilly). If it's a name with only one obvious shortening, then i think it'll be hard to avoid.

I think you need to consider all (certainly the most likely) nicknames and how they sound with your surname, because it's very likely that some of their friends WILL use these. I'd reconsider, tbh.

I would consider the nicknames as well as the full name, as whilst you bequeath the name, once given you do not own or control it, your children do. Whilst young you may be able to direct your children in their thinking, or you may be lucky enough that they share similar ideas to you... but you can't rely on that.

I go by a nickname that my parents didn't like. They like to call me by my full name, I refuse to answer to it . My name, my nickname, my choice. So she has no choice but to use it.

Equally my children have nicknames, with DD1 we used to use a nickname of her name, until she decided she wanted her name used in full.

With DD2, we used her full name until she chose a nickname she wanted. So now she is known as that (even in school - on her books, reports etc). At first, it wasn't a name I liked... but now I really do.

I have names I love but hate the shortening and it would stop me using as they will get shortened e.g love Jessica hate Jess, Love Jasmine hate Jazz, love Benjamin, but know a 00000 Bens etc.