Message: "Names and Nicknames"

[Opinions] Names and Nicknames

by New_Chloe

2/11/2009, 8:44 AM

Whenever I think of possibilities for my great list o' names, I always think first about nicknames rather than the full name. Growing up, I was referred to so exclusively by a short version of my full name that I actually felt strange at first using it as an everyday thing when I went to university and decided to use my "grown up name".

Nicknames are powerful things, so I try to make sure I love every aspect of a potential name before putting on my "long term favourites list". Sometimes I have to cross off something I really love and put it in the "middle name use only" pile, because I just can't stand the shortened versions (and as we all know, it is inevitable that someone will shorten it).

Here's my rather brief list, followed by the "Middle Names Only" list. Can you think of any hidden nicknames that I should watch out for?

Archie
Barnaby (I can handle Barney)
Rex
Otto
Ferdinand (Andy? Ferdy?? What nicks could people pull out of this one?)
Theodore (Theo, Teddy, even Ted, all ok)

Georgette / Georgina (I like the nicks Georgia, Georgie, and even George)
Ruby
Ivy
Winifred (Winnie and Freddie, ok)

Middle Name Only:

James (hate Jamie)

Christobel / Christabel (can't stand Chris, Chrissy)
Séraphine (Don't like Sera, and nobody would use Simah)

#nicknames

Replies

- LMS +1

2/11/2009, 3:52 PM

Archie -Arch
Barnaby -Baby
Ferdinand -Fred, Freddy, Ed, Eddie
Georgette -Etta (though I think that nn is quite lovely)
Georgina -Gina

I do the same things with names. I love the name Edmund but can't stand the nn Ed, so it is relegated to the middle name spot. The same goes for Franklin (Frank).

- New_Chloe

2/11/2009, 4:12 PM

Barnaby = Baby eh? Hmmm...looks like Barnaby needs some more thought.

Thanks for your thoughts! Glad to know I'm not the only one who frets over possible nicknames!

- happymandy +1

2/11/2009, 3:14 PM

I could almost see Stevie for Seraphine. You would have to initiate it, because people wouldn't think of it automatically. But I think it's kind of cute for a girl. It can definately be a nickname for Stephanie, so why not Seraphine?

- New_Chloe

2/11/2009, 3:25 PM

Never thought of that one!

Thanks for the suggestion!

- Kit Kat +1

2/11/2009, 9:40 AM

I have the same problem. I don't think of nicknames first, but I actually hate the nickname my family uses, which is the only reason they gave me the full name they did (my dad mentioned the nickname at my birth, so my mom thought of a full name to use). I hate crossing off names due to the nickname factor, but it keeps my list down to a workable size.

I can only see Arch, and T-Rex (or another dinosaur connection). I also only think of Poison Ivy when I see Ivy.

- New_Chloe

2/11/2009, 9:51 AM

Ah yes, can't forget T-Rex!

Thanks!

- RegalAmethyst +1

2/11/2009, 9:36 AM

Archie -Arch I think. It is a short name.
Barnaby -Abe or Abby is the only other ones I can think of.
Rex -I can't think of anything here.
Otto -Or here.
Ferdinand - Andy, Ferdy, like you said. I can see a few joke nicknames, like Dinah or Nan, but I don't think anyone would ever use those.
Theodore -All you listed.

Georgette / Georgina -Gina, Jett.
Ruby -Nothing.
Ivy -Nothing.
Winifred -And Fred. I think it's cute.

Middle Name Only:

James -I'm with you on the hating Jamie thing.

Christobel / Christabel -Bel, Bella?
Séraphine -Fina?

You have a nice name list.

This message was edited 2/11/2009, 9:41 AM