Shortened names VS Longer names

[Ellecrawford]

Hey! I've noticed a lot of people think that you should have a longer version of the shortened down name on the birth certificate. For example instead of just Hattie many people say you should have Harriet. I personally prefer the shortened down names as actual names.. Whats everyone else's opinion😄

I have the shortened version of my name on my birth certificate and I’m happy with that. I’m an indecisive person so wouldn’t have liked the pressure of having to choose between two names. I’ve just got my name on my birth certificate and that’s it- very easy!

I think it’s fine to just use the shortened name. For example, I LOVE the nickname Connie but despise the name Constance, I think it’s hideous. In this case I’d go with Connie. I also adore Eliza and Betsy but despise Elizabeth and other nicknames for Elizabeth like Liz and Ellie, so I’d just name my daughter Eliza or Betsy. On the other hand I like Kitty and Katherine so I’d go with Katherine on the BC. I really think it depends on whether you like the full name too. If not of course you shouldn’t put it on the BC. People say you should, to give your DC ‘options’, but will your child actually want the option to use a hideous name or would she be happier with the cute shortened version? I think the latter, personally.

It varies from name to name for me and names evolve over time. Some shortening are more accepted and recognised as a 'proper' name than others.

Some shortenings (Tilly, Teddy, Kitty etc) can sound a bit childish on a teen or adult but others (Kate, Tom, Beth etc) are fine for a human of any age

If in doubt I think its better to opt for the full name on the birth certificate as you are providing options for the child if they grow up to hate the shortened version

I personally don't like "ie" or "y" ending shortenings as given names. I think they often sound too cutesy. But that's a personal preference, I don't really care what other people do!

My DS goes by a shortened version of a longer name (although not an "or/y" ending anyway), with the longer name on his birth certificate. We really liked both names so it's worked well, and when he's older he can choose to go by a different shortening, or use his full name. He also has two middle names so he'll have lots of options (if he wants). Although to us he will always be our chosen shortened version.

My DH also has a longer name but goes by a shortened version.

My DDs name doesn't have an official shortened version, and she's only a baby so we haven't really settled on a potential nickname yet.

My name has a shortened version, which I go by to close friends, family, and people I work closely with... but other people call me by my full name. And that's generally how I introduce myself to new people. I like having a nick name that people who are close to me use.

will your child actually want the option to use a hideous name

Your child might not think it's hideous. She might like it. That's the whole point of giving options - a child doesn't necessarily have the same opinions as its parents.

One of mine has a very long name, but has only ever been referred to by a shortened version (including on certificates, school registers, etc). She is now 15 and has decreed that she will only answer to her full name (which, btw, is fabulous). So she is certainly glad she has the choice --though she also had a phase of answering only to "Carrot", so who knows how long this one will last.

I usually prefer names that can't be shortened, which avoids the problem.

I'd always go with the longer, traditional form of a name on the birth certificate to give a child options as they grow up.

I think it gives them the choice. I’m almost never referred to by my full name but that’s my choice. My sister is never referred to by the shortened version.

My DD’s name can’t really be shortened but the name I love for a boy can be. The nickname I’d use doesn’t age well in my opinion so would rather there be the choice.

I’m expecting a baby in May.

Liking Danny for a boy, but I would formally name it Daniel on birth certificate - so there is also an option for a more “grown up” sounding name for when an adult. (I always think ‘what if’ he was a high court judge..

On the other hand, I like Kate for a girl, but would just go for Kate on the birth cert.

I think maybe it’s the ie/y element?

You should give your child a name that MN considers suitable for a high court judge.
Here's a link to some real high court judges:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_High_Court_judges_of_England_and_Wales

You also need a nn for the child, this can be something obvious like Sue short for Susannah or something that no one else will see a connection like Toph short for Christopher.

I use the shortened two syllable version (ending in y/ie) of my full (four syllables, quite formal) name.

I’m grateful to have the choice; I’d be annoyed if I’d been given the shortened nickname as my given name. Takes away options.