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I'm not that strict on this, but...

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I think it should be short for Thomas. Even if you don't like it, it gives him an adult option, and looks way better on job applications. Plus everyone will assume his full name is Thomas. I dated a Thomas. He hated Tommy, but liked Tom, and Thomas was acceptable -- something respectable. I love the name Tom, but Tommy I'm not crazy about.

Tommy is a nickname. Trust me. My ex-fiance's birth name is Tommy, and since he was about 12 years old, he's gone by Thomas (even though that's not even his name, lol). He abhors Tommy, and refuses to be called Tommy or Tom (although his immediate family calls him Tommy).

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I also know men named Johnny, Ricky, Billy, etc., that don't have John, Richard, William, etc. as their given names. I find it silly and would personally find it limiting. I, personally, wouldn't want to put a nickname-y fn on a resume or application for a prestigious job/university. I think it might be easier for girls to 'get away with', but I personally wouldn't want to be just Katie or Lizzie, etc.

I think it needs Thomas as a foundation. I know someone who called her son Tommy. Her boyfriend was Tommy and he insisted the child be called after him - literally. So he was Little Tommy and not Thomas. It bugged me a bit tbh but then I prefer nns to be backed up by the full name usually.

Tommy definitely needs Thomas. Or at least Tom. I really like Thomas, but I don't like Tommy. I think Tom is fine, but I wouldn't use that as a full name either.

I went to school with a boy named Tommy (he's 25 now). It was his full name. Also, our farrier is called Tommy (full name) too and he's about 45, so I'm pretty used to Tommy being used as a full name. It's not a favorite in anyway but I do think it works on its own.

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My boyfriend's full name is Thomas, but he prefers to go by Tom. His family has always called him Tommy, though, and so does anyone he went to high school with...in spite of the fact that he tried to get people to start calling him "Tom" when he started high school. For him, "Tommy" was a nickname that he definitely outgrew, and I think it's the sort of name that it's percieved one should outgrow. I can't think of any adults (that I know personally, at least) who'd have no problem with going by "Tommy", and with that in mind, I don't think that it's substantial enough for a full name, nor is it professional enough. A Tommy would be thought of as perpetually five years old, and he'd likely feel like it, too (I know my boyfriend feels completely childish and embarrassed when he's called "Tommy").

Why use Tommy when there's Thom? I'm not crazy about y/ie names for boys as I think most are too feminine. If you have to use Tommy make sure there is a "grown up" name to back it up and give the boy some options.

I think Tommy is a nickname only.

Tommy, is way too cutesy and won't age well. Can you imagine, grandpa Tommy? Thomas,is the way to go. It suits ages, young and old.