Just interested to know something.

[sugarplumfairy28]

Why do people choose a (usually in my experience) a longer 'normal' name with no intention of ever using it to justify a nickname?

I just can't seem to wrap my head ahead it.

But you act as if it's vital knowledge, and that there is a reason that you simply don't understand. When actually 1) you don't NEED to understand it because it's other people and their choices for their children. Do you question why others put their children in clothes from Tesco? And 2) the answer is simple, because they want to.

The fact that they do something different to what you would do isn't a matter of great mystery at all. Do you question why people drive the car they do? ("Well, mine is a 5 door and I simply do not understand why everyone doesn't make the same choice, it makes sense to me because it's easier and better"). It really is none of your business.

Knowledge is a funny thing though isn't it. If you don't want to enter this debate then don't, nobody is asking you to. Unfortunately it's not up to you to decide what knowledge other people acquire, or the why, what is up to you is your participation. If you believe I am acting in a certain manner which renders my pursuit of knowledge mute, then so be it.

I am particularly interested in the history of names, traditions some cultures use to choose a name, and the meaning of names. If you read my post without assuming I have an attitude righteousness behind it, you will see it is merely a 'quest' for knowledge. I haven't been rude, or insulted anyone's choices they have made.

Oh KitNeuron, was it worth it, was it?

OP I understand what you mean
My mother is the youngest of 3 and when she was born her parents let her brothers choose her first and middle name. However they preferred her middle name so only referred to her as that and totally ignored her "official" first name. She continues to go by her middle name now but any letters she receives or other formalities she has to be addressed by her actual first name. All too confusing for me and seems a bit pointless to have a name on a birth certificate that's never used other than for formal things..

Everybody assumes my name is the longer version so refer to me by it. And to be honest, I actually prefer the longer version and wish I had that option - I feel I've been cheated out of a proper name !

Why can't you choose to go by the longer version as your nickname? I don't understand why people can go by a short version of a long name but not a long version of a short name.

Isla my Dad is similar, He goes by two names, his first is what anyone outside the family calls him or people he isn't close with, and his second is what his family call him. He doesn't know why though. It is a sort of right of passage or something as far as he is concerned.

midsomer Yes thanks

Not the first time I say it and won't be the last. Also stands for "can anyone explain why Game of Thrones is supposed to be good? It just looks like sex and death to me, I'd much rather watch Downton Abbey".

Although this is the first time I've had an existential rant about the quest for knowledge and deeper understanding in response to it. Definitely the first time I've been accused of deciding what knowledge other people acquire. Makes me sound quite powerful...