Is Billy a 'chav' name?

[RedSky16]

I hate the word 'chav', but I'm not sure how to ask...

I love the name Billy (William) but I've heard bad things about it I don't want him to be judged...

And don't forget Liam which I think is also a great name.

Why not go with William for the birth certificate and then see what NN suits or falls into place?

I only know one Billy and his parents are middle class professionals.

I don't think it is 'chavvy' it is in the same vein as other urchin type names like Alfie and Archie. But would put William on bc.

Because he'll be Billy, I'll introduce him as Billy, William will only be on his birth certificate for his benefit for if he decides he really doesn't like Billy.

It's fine as a nickname for William.

I know a few quite posh Bills. Have never met a Billy though. I can't imagine it as a name for anyone older than about 5

I don't think it's a chav name, but, I definitely prefer Will.

Only Billy I know of is the zombie from Hocus Pocus.

He was a nice bloke. Not at all chavvy.

I don't like Billy. Much prefer Will.

It isn't chavvy though.

Billy is nice. Bill I love.

I would agree that when an abbreviated version of a name is given as a child's official and unshortened name and appears on the birth certificate as such, it is a bit downmarket.

If you think about lots of very upmarket people, they often have shortened names that they go by - sometimes quite daft ones......but if you ask their proper name, it will never be a shortened name.

So I'd say, give the full, formal name. The child then has a choice of using that or often one of many shortened versions. A William can become Billy or Will or whatever suits him given time. A Billy has fewer choices and as an adult in a professional job may find putting 'Billy' on his cv is less professional sounding.

I've got a William who always goes by Billy. Never had any problems with it (and I obviously think it's a great name )

Yes, IMO , sorry. but i dnt think it wud b if u called him william , and then billy as a nn

The Billy I know is the son of two academics.

All this had wringing over what's 'chav' and what's 'posh' is so bloody boring though.