Unprofessional to use a nickname at work?

[Lioncubhearted]

Does it give a better impression to use your given name?

Do you mean Nikki/Nicola or something more abstract as a nickname?

I know a few women who use a shortened version of their names at work (qualified professionals) and no one takes issue. Think Jen, Bekah, Fran and so on.

Depends what your nickname is?

Becky / Nikki / Jenny? Absolutely fine, Snookums Jellybear not so much...

Katie/Becky/Lexie/Charlie/Lottie/Bertie - fine
Bunty/Buffo/Woody/Chuggers/Tuppy/Chalky - probably not

You beat me to this comment 🤣

I think Lizzie Bennett instead of Elizabeth is fine, whereas Benno is probably not.

It depends on the nickname. Sam or Dave, fine. Babykins or Mr Big, not so much!

Yes, exactly this!

I know people who have used proper nicknames at work (eg Mac for someone called Sophie MacMillan, including in her email address and correspondence)- seems fine to me, and that's in a v stuffy profession.

Tits McGee, maybe not.

We call one guy where I work Sutcliffe because he looks like the Yorkshire ripper. But we all do use that name for him so I guess all us are being unprofessional, which then makes it ok.. I think 🤣.

My given name is quite boring and old-fashioned, and in no way gives anyone a good impression of me. So I use a nickname form. But I’m not sure if that’s the kind of thing you mean. Very vague post there OP

Is the nickname Minky?

I have a really long name and no one will say it. Id be happy to be addressed by it though.

I know one very stuffy Coldplay that used to insist on full names (eg Christopher not Chris). But that was an outlier and even that has changed now. I know plenty of people who use shortenings, and a few more random nicknames. But not silly ones. City, for context.

You don't think that's bullying?

Is it Lioncubhearted instead of Lucy?

Depends on your industry/profession. Some old school stockbrokers and lawyers are quite happy with the Buffo/Binky type names because it denotes "the proper sort", i.e. public school alumni. I've worked in one.

No, he’s 63 and that’s how he introduces himself and signs his cards. He won’t shave his beard as the nickname won’t work if he does.

A diminutive/derivation is fine (Ellie, Libby, Beth, Becky, Daisy etc. ). A nickname (JoJo Elliekins, The Beckster) probably not, unless it also passes for a real name.

I have occasional professional contact with someone with a Far Eastern name who signs himself off as [something like] Mike, despite this being nothing whatsoever like his email (professional registered) name. Very confusing at first!

Well it rather depends on what he thinks of it TBH - I can’t see that I would want to be nicknamed for a serial killer.

It's an "official" diminutive in another language that isn't common here. It's not obvious from the English version of the name, most people don't realise at first. I don't know what that counts as! Although it's the name I go by, it's usually slightly mispronounced as the vowel sounds are ever so slightly different.

Was wondering if it's easier to go by the anglicised form of my full name in my new job rather than have to explain nickname each time.

It really depends what you'd prefer. Are you content to answer to your Anglicised name or do you want people to use your native language's diminuative?

I have a frilly, girly name but have always used a sporty boy diminuative - think Henry for Henrietta. All my email signatures and initial introductions use the long, girly version to avoid confusion but, in person and signing emails, I use my short form because that's what people really call me.
This works better than just using the diminuative which results in people feeling awkward b/c they thought I was a man. So maybe for you, start with your full name and then, if relevant, offer your usual short form.

I was known as La La on my trading floor and it followed me for a while. I actually loved it when senior clients used the name as it was a marker of a strong relationship.

Like Margaret going by Peggy?

Think it's fine to go by your nickname if that's what you're used to being called.

Depends. Used to work with a Buffy who acquired the nickname at work as she was a “slayer” - basically really good at what she did. She very much encouraged its use 😂 in place or her real name (think something like Helen) to the point her email got changed as nobody knew who Helen was (clients and colleagues).