"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

my name, no one complains about lack of options, they say it’s lovely and classic.

Even short names can be 'nicknamed' eg Anne becomes Annie, Emma Emmie etc among friends and family.

No my name is not like Anne or Emma (which I wouldn’t categorise as nickname proof from the fact they have obvious diminutives as you pointed out). My name doesn’t have diminutives. That’s not a problem for me, as I pointed out in my earlier post nicknames and and affectionate names doesn’t have to be derived from names. A name like Katie still has more options for nicknames if the wearer wants it than a classic, full name which doesn’t shorten easily/at all.

*My boss certainly doesn't call me the name my husband does.

Now that WOULD BE bizarre.*

Not bizarre, surely? My boss doesn’t call me “darling” or other affectionate little names like that - but both he and my DH call me “Wimpole” as that’s my name…,.

Dear @WimpoleHat you have no idea how my husband adapts my name, surely?

Not bizarre, surely?

Same here - it would be very embarrassing if my boss called me the nickname my dh uses!

I prefer to use my full name at work and when I meet new clients.

I suppose it depends on whether you have a longer name with a cute/ familiar shortening or not.
I do have a longer name - one that wasn’t really used as a child but one that I increasingly use as an adult. Something along the lines of Evelyn - so I am Evelyn in work or any formal settings, Evie to my parents and childhood friends and Eve to my DH.
My DH is the opposite and his parents are the only ones who have ever uses his long name - something like Benedict to his parents and Ben to everyone else.

I do find the idea of taking that choice away from a child a little odd. Just because I can only imagine using Hattie, say, I wouldn’t call DD that - I wouldn’t want to take away her right to be Harriet when she is older.
The argument of “well I’m only ever going to use Hattie” falls short for me because it’s not just about what the parent thinks they want to call the child is it? It’s about the child and then having a name that will work whatever the situation and whatever kind of person they turn out to be.

The other point is that most nicknames as first names are very cutesy - Alfie, Evie, Freddie etc. What if your cute baby doesn’t turn out to be like that when they are older? People often make the point that you should consider if the Wren or Willow that you’re naming will look like a Wren or a Willow - what if they look anything but and feel saddled with the name? The same applies surely to a Tilly or Evie or Katie?
As I said, I personally am not an “-ie” to anyone other than those that know me from childhood (and you can’t really change what they call you). It’s not me and I’m glad I had a more serious name to transition into.

The argument of “well I’m only ever going to use Hattie” falls short for me because it’s not just about what the parent thinks they want to call the child is it? It’s about the child and then having a name that will work whatever the situation and whatever kind of person they turn out to be.

Exactly. It's not about whether parents prefer a certain nickname (Alfie, Teddie, Izzy) but about what their child might prefer growing up. They may well prefer to introduce themselves as Alfred, Edward or Isabel - I certainly would!

Name your kid what you want to call them.

Truth is there are probably more people with the same preference and over time standards change - my friend names her boy Liam, she didn't even know it used to be a nickname for William.

A better current example is probably Charlie. 40 years ago, I would have said 90% were Charles. Today, I would say it's 50/50 between kids whose full names are Charlie and whose birth certificate says Charles/Charlotte

Dignified : controlled, serious, and calm, and therefore deserving respect:

The snobbery on here is stomach turning. Anyone implying that a diminutive name (that may have also been around for hundreds of years in its own right), is less dignified, should be ashamed. If you would judge, for example, Jake and his parents, to be less dignified, and worthy of your respect than Jacob and his parents, then shame on you.
The only people I would consider undignified, are those with such a small mind.

Dignified or not, I much prefer Jacob!

Prefer. Absolutely fine. Prefer whatever you like.
we can all prefer. Most of us with an open mind can accept that others have preferences.
For those who label a none offensive child’s name as undignified, this is not a preference. This is stigma.
in this circumstances I believe The indignity is reserved to a small minded person who would stigmatise a child and their family. All for their belief that a name is somewhat less. shame on any so called adult who thinks this way.