Tell me what your name is without telling me what your name is

[BatsatHalloween]

My name has a male and female variant
It was number 36 the year I was given it
It was acceptable in the 80s
It's a bit French
It's also a little bit Essex
Most people shorten it

Sinead

It is an abbreviation of a more formal name.

Mairead? Jade?

Jade probably closest.

French name, very popular as a middle name in the 80s

@17caterpillars1mouse

Louise?

Jacqueline.