"Nicknames" as first names

[Confusion101]

I often see on the baby name threads that people don't like a name because they classify it as a "nickname" or shortened version of a longer name. I was just wondering why people don't like this? Most of the names on my list are shortened versions because I don't know why we would write one name on the birth cert when we know we would call the child by another name. Just wondering so I don't regret my decision

I don't get it either just put on the birth certificate what you intend to call them day in day out.

Sure DC can develop nicknames throughout their lives but that isn't the same thing.

I do find it odd because Jack, for example, has been one of the most popular boys’ names for decades but it’s a nickname for John. I can’t imagine a man called Jack being taken any less stipulation than a John. Katie or Kate, likewise, both nicknames for Katharine, but often given alone. Beth. Sally. The list goes on. It seems the line between what’s an acceptable nickname and what isn’t is very arbitrary.

Diminutives or nicknames as full names is an absolutely massive trend at the moment. The Mumsnet views very much that these names are awful and their bearers will be held back in life because if it, but they are just so popular that if you like the names I don’t think it’s problem. As to why you’d use a fully name and diminutive rather than just the diminutive, using Charles rather than Charlie gives the kid more options when then grow up. Lots of names can’t really be nicknamed either though, so I don’t think that’s a huge dealbreaker.

I never got it either, then I named DS a nickname (one very much established as a name in its own right, at that). He’s 13 now and TBH now I wish I’d used the full version, although there’s no way I’d have done it at the time. His name isn’t at all cutesy or childish either.

Yes, and I think Harry/Henry has gone the same way as Jack/John, where I’d more more surprised to find the name was a nickname than a standalone.

2 of my girls have long names that we always used but they now go by the popular nicknames for them doesn't bother me, purely their choice.

using Charles rather than Charlie gives the kid more options when then grow up

I always see this as one argument but then if you give them a shorter name that isnt considered a nickname e.g. Séan they don't get options when they grow up so that argument always confused me! 🙈

Seriously — not stipulation! Wtf autocorrect

Why do you wish you used the full name?

I don’t get if either. It’s ridiculous, just give them the name you plan on calling them

Most Harry's aren't Henry's 🤷🏽‍♀️

Alex versus Alexander 🤷🏽‍♀️

Shortened names are diminutives, not nicknames.

I'm old fashioned or just old I suppose, but I don't like diminutives being used as first names.

To me, diminutives tend to sound childish. I'd much prefer my child to have the option of a more dignified (for want of a better word) name to use in adulthood if they want to. It's about giving them options.

I used to wonder why my parents gave me my long name when they've called me the shortened version since day 1. It was to give me choices apparently. If I'd shown a preference for my full name or a different variation (there are several) they'd have respected that. They liked the short version but wanted to allow me options.

Yes, that was exactly my thinking too. I even tried to let/get MN to change my mind. No dice.

Now I feel like he doesn’t have the opportunity to use the full version of the name when he could have had. I don’t even particularly like the full version, but I like that I’ve taken the choice from him even less. DS, OTOH, isn’t bothered. He might be when he’s older mind.

its all v v daft but I do wish I’d gone with the long version

It's about giving them options.

But if you gave them an old fashioned one syllable name they wouldn't have options. 🤔

I am thinking I won't regret my decision because this seems to be the only argument against using shortened names and it doesn't make sense to me so I think I'll stick to my guns!

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Name picking is bloody hard!!!!!

But some diminutives quickly become so entrenched that nobody even remembers they are diminutives, and the line between these and the “undignified” ones is so random. One of my grandmothers was called Elsie — that was her whole name — in 1923. But of course Elsie is a diminutive! My other grandmother was called, birth certificate name, Polly. Also a diminutive.

But I immediately followed that up with “Lots of names can’t really be nicknamed either though, so I don’t think that’s a huge dealbreaker.”. You asked why people would choose a full name with a diminutive, rather than just the diminutive and that’s probably the biggest reason 🤷‍♀️

I'm not massively on Team Anti-Nicknames (or rather, Diminutives), some I like a lot and make sense to me.

But I also don't get the line "name the kid what you want to call it day to day", because it's not just about you. You're naming a human who is going to be a child for a hot second, and it is nice to have options as you grow.

For instance, I have a longer, quite popular (now, though it was very rare when/where I grew up) name and mainly go by a nickname - my family and closest friends all know me by the nn. I didn't actually start using the longer form until I started progressing in my career in my 20s, maybe I needed to "grow into it", who knows. But I have found that I don't particularly want my boss, or a client to call me the same thing my mum or husband does. For me, my full name is like an armour or other skin I slip into in certain situations. It keeps the intimacy of my nn for those I want to share it with.

That all said, I also find the argument that one couldn't be a judge or politician with a diminutive "nickname" name ridiculous. As pp have said, it's such a massive trend that by the time our kids are grown, nobody will bat an eye at Judge Archie or MP Winnie or whatever.

Oh, and I gave my DD a very short 2-syllable name with no traditional shortenings, obviously her family nn is now a lengthened version! She's still a baby so TBC what her mates will call her.

My grandfather couldn't get his head around the fact that my DH's full name is Jack.

I know an Alex and his parents wish they'd put Alexander on the BC so he'd be able to choose Alex or Xander.

I know a Tom who is just Tom, and it seems a bit strange to me that his parents didn't put Thomas on the BC

but they can call themselves what they like...they don't have to stick to the name you chose.

Its generally because nicknamey names can sound a bit silly in formal situations.

People like cutesy nickname names (Alfie, Albie etc). But there’s not many people whose full name is Andy or Dave.

I have a long name which has several common diminutives.
I really like the fact that I am called different things, depending on my relationship with people, and that I can be more formal or less formal as I want to.
Over different decades, I've leaned more towards different diminutives and as I've got older I am much more likely to use my full name.

Based on my own preferences for my own name, I'd want to give any dc the same options.

So that the child can choose their nickname when they’re older, or choose to go by their proper name. For example, they might like to go by Elizabeth in some situations and Beth in others.