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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Nickname or stand alone

34 replies

Browneyedgirl16 · 13/01/2019 09:01

Is Betsy a nickname or a stand alone name ?

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erja · 13/01/2019 09:34

I'd say it could be a standalone name. It's not my style but I wouldn't see it as too much of a nickname!

Fifthtimelucky · 13/01/2019 09:47

Nickname. I deliberately chose names for my children with a number of options for shortened versions.

If you call her Elizabeth you can use Betsy, but if she prefers in later life she will have lots of other choices.

RuthW · 13/01/2019 10:48

Definitely nickname. It's also the name of my dog, but even she has the full name of Elizabeth.

Cazastrophe · 13/01/2019 15:32

I’d use it as a full name the same as Maisie and Daisy are full names.

Browneyedgirl16 · 13/01/2019 17:48

Thank you for the comments ! So 50/50 at the moment be grateful for more feedback

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Sephyjune · 13/01/2019 18:24

The fashion at the moment is for lovely nicknames to be used as stand alone names. Although a few people seem to prefer use of the full name, I've never really seen this outside of Mumsnet to be honest. Most people are perfectly fine with a Betsy not being Elizabeth or a Connie not a Constance, etc. In my opinion, a lot of the nicknames are nicer than the full names (love Connie , hate Constance, love Betsy and Eliza, think Elizabeth is dull) so I say go for the name you want! Imagine naming a daughter Elizabeth wanting Betsy as nn and she was called Liz by literally everyone except you. You've basically named your child a name that you don't like! Haha x

GirlfriendInAKorma · 13/01/2019 18:31

Definitely nickname.
It's very cutesy.
Would it suit a 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 year old?

jessstan2 · 13/01/2019 18:32

It comes from Elizabeth. Must say I don't know anyone called Betsy, plenty of Bets, Lizzies, Beths. It may come back into fashion, not a bad name.

DramaAlpaca · 13/01/2019 18:33

I see it as a nickname. It might be cute on a toddler but I'm having trouble seeing it on an adult woman.

olympicsrock · 13/01/2019 18:34

It’s definitely a nickname - shortening of Elizabeth.

comebacksoonsusan · 13/01/2019 18:35

I know a Betsy, just that, aged 9. I find it twee

Gillyhicks · 13/01/2019 18:47

If you have no intention of ever calling her Elizabeth, I would go with Betsy. I think it’s nice to be called the name you use regularly.

I really don’t think it’s better for her cv to use a ‘proper’ name - when Betsy gets the job she will want to be known as Betsy. I don’t see any benefit to having a different name than the one you’re using.

Catsandbootsandbootsandcats · 13/01/2019 18:57

I know someone in their 70s called Betsy, not short for anything.

Inktank · 13/01/2019 19:00

To me it's a nickname. I like there to be a difference between a longer name for formality and people you don't know well, and the nickname as an indication of affection and familiarity.

Browneyedgirl16 · 13/01/2019 21:47
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stinkypoo · 13/01/2019 22:05

I know a Betsy Whois just a Betsy.
Personally I prefer a longer given name with options to shorten but each to their own.

StarrySky7 · 13/01/2019 22:08

A dog's name (sorry). I wouldn't use nickname or standalone.

ReaganSomerset · 13/01/2019 22:31

Nickname only. I'd go for Elizabeth. Can't picture Betsy the CEO somehow.

Picknickers · 13/01/2019 23:44

The Betsy I know called herself Bette from early 20s. Suits her.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 13/01/2019 23:44

Nickname

Astronica · 13/01/2019 23:47

It's which ever you choose it to be. Really a matter of style and taste. I'd have no problem with Betsy as a stand alone name, though I personally would lean towards Elizabeth nn Betsy.

Bouncingbelle · 14/01/2019 01:43

Its a lovely nn. I'd go for Bettina or Beth tho if you were never going to use elizabeth.

tammytoby · 14/01/2019 07:04

Most people are perfectly fine with a Betsy not being Elizabeth or a Connie not a Constance,

That's not my experience. Myself and lots of my friends are grateful to have a proper name as well as nickname options.

TigerQuoll · 14/01/2019 07:47

If you don't like Elizabeth another possibility to have Betsy as a nn is Bethany

I can't imagine anyone over the age of about 16 wanting to be called Betsy. Should give her a real name so she has some control later on.

CheerfulYank · 14/01/2019 07:55

I break out in the gives at the thought of nicknames on the birth certificate Blush So I vote for Elizabeth. I think Betsy is very cute :)