Can Seth be used as a nickname for Joseph?

[LydiaBinn]

I like Joseph but not the shortening Joe. Is Seth a legitimate nickname to encourage do you think, or is it too far removed from the original name?

Seth is a name of its own (in the Bible) and I've never heard it as a nickname for Joseph. It's up to you OP, but personally I'd call him Seth if you like it. Or just go with Joseph and discourage Joe - I know a couple of Josephs and neither of them are called Joe.

I know a Joseph nicknamed Seph. It works for them.

Seth no, Seph yes

I also know a Joseph who goes by Joss

Seth is a bit of a contrived stretch. Why not just go for Seth?

I like 'Seph' as a nickname

Joe/Joss

Seth is a completely different name! Call him it if you like it.

One of my sons has a name with a very obvious shortening which I'm not mad keen on. We call him the full version and figure that if he chooses to go by the shortening that's his business. As it happens, he and his friends have evolved a different shortening.

I also know a Joseph that goes by Seph

No! They are different names. You could have zeph for Joseph if you want but what is wrong with joe?

You can name him Fred but call him Jack. It's up to you. It's also cultural. Many Asian people use names that are not their 'passport names' and many East End people certainly used to do the same. In the northwest, it was well-known, particularly where a family favourite name like 'Elizabeth' or 'George' had been used in each generation.

You are not under any obligation to name your child according to MN rules.

So name him Joseph and call him Seth. They're both perfectly acceptable.

Read 'Asian' as 'British Asian'. I have no idea if it is commonplace in other countries or not.

But what the heck is the point in naming one thing on the birth certificate and using a completely different name?!

Seth I see a biblical name in its own right. If you want to call your baby Seth call them Seth.

I love Joss as a nn for Joseph. He may end up as Joe once he starts school though so if you really don't like Joe then maybe have a rethink.

It's really not a nickname though- it's an actual name. Why not just use Seth?

Yep, can confirm as an east Londoner, that I didn't know the real names of the majority of my elderly relatives until they died.
'What do you mean Mary's real name was Elizabeth? Okaaay.'

Mine is 11 and still always Joseph. I'm not too worried if a shortening of his choice develops though.

I wouldn't. They're different names

Seth is a name in its own right, my son is a Seth. I'm not sure that I would automatically shorten Joseph - it's a lovely name. I would go with whichever you prefer as his name and not worry about a nickname. My daughter who has a longer name is quick to shoot anyone down who dares to shorten her name.

Seth and Joseph are both nice but not related.

The Josephs I know are usually Joe or Joss.

You can call him Seth. But his birth certificate name may as well be Martin or Stephen...

Joseph is a different name

Seth tends to be pronounced Sef where I live. (Also Feo for Theo.)
So that does make it seem more like a natural shortening of Joseph.
I'm afraid Joe is the obvious nn tho.

Joss is much nicer tho, it sounds much more upbeat to me.