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Can’t think of any nickname-ruined favorites off the top of my head, but I bear a name for which the most common nickname is disliked by my parents and myself. My parents went with it anyway, thinking they/I could teach people to use my full name. It mostly worked among family and close friends, mostly. If I’d really put my foot down, it may have worked entirely among that group, but I allowed a few individuals special dispensation by answering to the nickname, so it was out of my parents’ hands at that point. School, church, neighbors and, later, clients, are another story. I find that when people like you/feel familiar with you, they nickname you. My parents had no hope of influencing this other than through me. I generally tend to answer to the nickname, though I never use or sign it myself and, when introduced by the nickname, I do correct it. The people closest to me, and the sharper members of my wider circle use my full name or a general endearment.

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I would say use Minerva if you truly love it the most and do your best to indoctrinate your kid to speak up about it, understanding that, if your kid chooses to allow a nickname, it will be out of your hands. Maybe have a nickname option you can tolerate ready just in case: “M”, Min, Minna, Mina?

This message was edited 12/13/2018, 5:47 PM