Let them wonder. Often, the knowledge of how nns came about has been lost because nns as fns have become more common, but I'll guarantee your grandparents or great-grandparents had a knowledge of them that many don't possess today. The point I'm making is that even though that knowledge may be limited today, it doesn't make the use of them wrong. Bring that knowledge back! If people ask questions, educate them.
Personally, I feel that the more layers a name has (like an onion), the more interesting it is. A full name suits every stage of life and offers a lot of possibilities. It's also a fun way to introduce yourself and your intentions ("Hi, my name is
Mary, but all of my friends call me
Polly."). And I'd much rather have those options than to be stuck with a nn and wish I had a little more to work with. Actually, I experienced all of those emotions before my name change so I know what I'm talking about.
BTW, the only nn I'm unfamiliar with is
Noll which I've never heard before. I can't say I like it as well as
Oliver but I do like it.
This message was edited 11/10/2010, 11:26 AM