7 replies to this topic

[BabysMama]

Is it possible? Is there a way or any steps that you can take to avoid your child having their name shortened? My parents somehow made it work with me. My name is Jennifer and throughout my entire life, I have never been a Jen or Jenny. How do I go about avoiding a nickname for my child when I prefer them to be called their full name?

[Smile]

It is possible but it is hard. You really need to be persistent in correcting people I think. Once you settle into an environment ith the same family the same friends and the same colleagues, I don't think it will be hard, especially when you introduce yourself as your full name and not a nickname. Sometimes however, a child may actually want to go by their nickname. It may not last long, but it may happen. Sometimes I also think the shorter names thebetter. Even people I know with two syllable names have sometimes or another whether in quick talk, their names have quickly been abbreviated. I'm not sure I would call it a nickname exactly, but it's pretty close to one. I think if you get into the habit of using the full name, things will go much easier. ALso, you can pick a name you love that has nicknames you don't l'ke. It may not seem like the most pleasant situation, but at least you won't want to call your child by any nickname.. I don't just my unclear thoughts. It's late, ahha what can i say. I think it can be avoided, but it will take effort.

[amandagayle151]

Well, I've *kindof* been successful at this. You see, my dad HATES the name/nickname Mandy, so the only way he would agree to name me Amanda is if *NOBODY* called me Mandy, ever. Nobody ever has. I've always been Amanda, or Manda to a select few of my closest friends. I also go by Skip, which comes from my last name, but have never ever been called Mandy.

I think it's possible, but you just have to be persistent

[destiny]

All you have to do is correct people for awhile. I have a nephew named Matthew.
He has always been Matthew. However.. the biggest challenge comes from your childs friends especially when
they hit preteen ages. Alot of times the friends shorten the names. If your child likes it or doesn't correct it then
in the school/Friend environment your child will have a nick or shortened name and there wont be a whole lot
you can do about it there. But I know of alot of people who use full names. The other alternative would be to
pick a name that doesn't have much Nickname possibility like Erin, Kaye, Lisa, Ava, Eve, Eden, Joy, Reagan,
Taylor, etc.. .. ..

[scarlet520]

It's possible, but you have to tell everyone ahead of time that the nickname or nicknames would not be tolerated.
I have a friend, Dawne, who's son is Nicolas. Just Nicolas, he's not a Nick, Nico, or Cole. When he was born, Dawne told everyone that he was only to be called Nicolas. And everyone has complied. He's only 3, and not yet gone to school, so this might change in the future. He might choose to use a nickname.
I know that if this baby ends up being a boy, Brian and I are seriusly considering the name Henry. I can't stand the nickname Hank (so he'll never be called that), but Harry would be an OK nickname to me.

[Liz]

It is possible, as long as you are willing to politely correct people who try to shorten the name.

However, when your child is old enough to decide for himself/herself, he/she may decide they prefer to be called by a nickname, and there's not much you can do about that.

If you absolutely can't stand a nickname, I wouldn't use the longer name. If you just prefer the full version, then fine, as long as you're okay with your child using the nickname at some point if they so desire.

[Alexis!]

I do think it's very possible. Correct people if they use a nickname and eventually they'll stop.

I wasn't lucky in that though. I actually prefer Lexii to Alexis. Plus, my aunts all call me Goobie. Everyone has a crazy nickname in my family. My sister, Amanda, is Kramer, my mom, Tammy, is Kit. They're hard to avoid in my family, but only cause I like my nicknames.