The difference

bumpuser5823822

Something I think of sometimes...

People find it important that a child have an "adult" name or a "professional" name to fall back on. So they choose names like Katherine and call them Kate or William and call them Liam.

 One of the names that I really like is Ellie. Other than it being overused, a complaint that people have against the name is that it doesn't grow up well. However I see Elle as a name that is grown up enough to take her places (or maybe I just see that name different then others?).

So my question is what is the difference between giving a child a proper name and calling them by a nickname or giving them a name that has a proper nn? Do you think there is a difference? Is there something I'm missing in my line of reasoning? Just looking for some outside chatter on it

doremi29

I take the "doesn't age well" responses with a grain of salt.  We chose Piper for DD and a lot of people have said that about her name.  I'm sure her name won't hinder her too much in adulthood.  My hope for my kids would be that they are individual/confident enough to stand out regardless of name, looks, etc., so whether they're one of 5 in their class because it's a trendy/popular name (like DS's name) or whether it "doesn't age well", they'll be just fine because of their awesome personalities  

I realize this doesn't really answer your questions, but it's just my 2 cents on the naming process and, basically, I think you just have to go with what you love.

Personally, I think Ellie is a great name and I think it would suit an adult just fine!

FrecklesInside

My name is Alexandra but I go by Ali all of the time - as in, as soon as I meet someone and introduce myself, I say they can call me Ali. To me it is my name. So I don't see how it matters. I guess what people are concerned about is you put your full name on a resume and job application or that you are introduced by your full name so people might not take you seriously if you have a "young" sounding name. I think the person makes the name. While some names definitely won't age well, I don't see this as a problem with Ellie, but perhaps that is because I am an Ali and haven't ever felt it was a hindrance. Then again, people might say at least I get to put Alexandra on my resume and job applications and introduce myself as Alexandra... so who knows. 

You could just name her Elle and use the NN Ellie if you are really concerned. I suppose I see the benefit in having that more "formal" FN to use when needed. 

austenreader85

"So my question is what is the difference between giving a child a proper name and calling them by a nickname or giving them a name that has a proper nn?"

I have read this a dozen times and I keep getting confused.  Do you mean "or giving them a name that is a proper nn?"

I like formal names with nicknames, preferably multiple nickname options.  I like Ellie as a nickname.  But if I were named Ellie, I would want a formal name option.  For me, I prefer to be my formal name for 98% of the world, not just professionally, and only my nn for very close friends that I've known forever and my family.  I actually even prefer my DH to call me by my formal name, I just think it sounds pretty.

I think nicknames are a form of endearment.  I'm not sure why I this is the first example in my head but here goes.  All of the successful people I can think of have a formal first name (William Jefferson Clinton) and then get to choose to go by a nickname as a way to endear people to them (Bill).  I know people that adore Obama and call him "Barry" even, which doesn't feel like a natural nickname to Barack, IMO.  But I'm a historian and wouldn't have a problem with the world reverting back to making everyone Mr/Mrs/Miss Last Name unless very close friends/family.  

It wouldn't effect my vote,  but I could see Eleanor "Ellie" LastName being president over just Ellie LastName.  Likewise, Supreme Court Justice or CFO Eleanor LastName is more intimidating than Ellie LastName.

Oh, and as for Elle, I don't think it's much more formal than Ellie.  And I think it would be strange to go with Elle and then call her Ellie.  If nothing else you're taking a one syllable name and making it into 2, and therefore longer and most nicknames are for shortening.

bumpuser5823822

austenreader85:

"So my question is what is the difference between giving a child a proper name and calling them by a nickname or giving them a name that has a proper nn?"

I have read this a dozen times and I keep getting confused.  Do you mean "or giving them a name that is a proper nn?"

I like formal names with nicknames, preferably multiple nickname options.  I like Ellie as a nickname.  But if I were named Ellie, I would want a formal name option.  For me, I prefer to be my formal name for 98% of the world, not just professionally, and only my nn for very close friends that I've known forever and my family.  I actually even prefer my DH to call me by my formal name, I just think it sounds pretty.

I think nicknames are a form of endearment.  I'm not sure why I this is the first example in my head but here goes.  All of the successful people I can think of have a formal first name (William Jefferson Clinton) and then get to choose to go by a nickname as a way to endear people to them (Bill).  I know people that adore Obama and call him "Barry" even, which doesn't feel like a natural nickname to Barack, IMO.  But I'm a historian and wouldn't have a problem with the world reverting back to making everyone Mr/Mrs/Miss Last Name unless very close friends/family.  

It wouldn't effect my vote,  but I could see Eleanor "Ellie" LastName being president over just Ellie LastName.  Likewise, Supreme Court Justice or CFO Eleanor LastName is more intimidating than Ellie LastName.

Oh, and as for Elle, I don't think it's much more formal than Ellie.  And I think it would be strange to go with Elle and then call her Ellie.  If nothing else you're taking a one syllable name and making it into 2, and therefore longer and most nicknames are for shortening.

I was just trying to summarize what I said in the first part. For example: What is the difference between naming Katherine  and calling her Kate OR Naming her Ellie and calling her Elle. When both of the bolded are "proper" names in my eyes. (although you don't see Elle as that)

I also just wanted to add that you made some good points for your stance. I couldn't bold them all because TB sucks.

sugar212

I think of it this way. I am a child of the 80s/90s and I am sure that our parents had the same thoughts about their name choices as we do about ours. My name is Brittany and when I was younger I always thought my name (and a lot of my friends' names) would sound so weird on an adult. Well, we all grew up and our names came with us.  

austenreader85

w+c3:

austenreader85:

"So my question is what is the difference between giving a child a proper name and calling them by a nickname or giving them a name that has a proper nn?"

I have read this a dozen times and I keep getting confused.  Do you mean "or giving them a name that is a proper nn?"

I like formal names with nicknames, preferably multiple nickname options.  I like Ellie as a nickname.  But if I were named Ellie, I would want a formal name option.  For me, I prefer to be my formal name for 98% of the world, not just professionally, and only my nn for very close friends that I've known forever and my family.  I actually even prefer my DH to call me by my formal name, I just think it sounds pretty.

I think nicknames are a form of endearment.  I'm not sure why I this is the first example in my head but here goes.  All of the successful people I can think of have a formal first name (William Jefferson Clinton) and then get to choose to go by a nickname as a way to endear people to them (Bill).  I know people that adore Obama and call him "Barry" even, which doesn't feel like a natural nickname to Barack, IMO.  But I'm a historian and wouldn't have a problem with the world reverting back to making everyone Mr/Mrs/Miss Last Name unless very close friends/family.  

It wouldn't effect my vote,  but I could see Eleanor "Ellie" LastName being president over just Ellie LastName.  Likewise, Supreme Court Justice or CFO Eleanor LastName is more intimidating than Ellie LastName.

Oh, and as for Elle, I don't think it's much more formal than Ellie.  And I think it would be strange to go with Elle and then call her Ellie.  If nothing else you're taking a one syllable name and making it into 2, and therefore longer and most nicknames are for shortening.

I was just trying to summarize what I said in the first part. For example: What is the difference between naming Katherine  and calling her Kate OR Naming her Ellie and calling her Elle. When both of the bolded are "proper" names in my eyes. (although you don't see Elle as that)

I also just wanted to add that you made some good points for your stance. I couldn't bold them all because TB sucks.

 Ohhh, that's not how I was reading it at all!  Well, in that case there's still not a formal name involved and now you're just doing another nickname on top of a nickname.  I would actually think naming her Elle and calling her Ellie would work better than naming her Elle and calling her Ellie.  I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs there.  Elle does sound more formal than Ellie to me, most "ee" endings are nicknames. 

Mostly though, I still see "she" in French when I read Elle so that's my hang up on the name.

plunderb

I think there is still a class bias in the US against nicknames as given names. That's why names like Bobby or Susie don't sound professional, even though there are plenty of people in professional careers who go by those names. The -ie ending is generally regarded as juvenile and not serious enough for a serious adult. I think we will see this changing to some extent as the current generation grows up and gets used to doctors and judges named Maddie and Jack. But there is still a class split. I am an alum of two Ivy League universities and I always check the baby names in the class announcements of our alumni magazine. It is very, very unusual to see a nickname or a name ending in aden or lyn in these groups. 

katie6/26/04

yes there is a difference, because if you name someone a nn then that's all they have.  If they have a proper name they can choose which they go by.  I'm Kathryn and go by Katie usually, but like having the option.  I have a friend who also went by Katie growing up, but has switched to her full name since being in high school.  I like being about to write a formal name on a resume. I also went through a period at around 3 or 4 when I thought Katie was a baby name and wanted to be called Kathryn.

SeasideBride06

plunderb:

I think there is still a class bias in the US against nicknames as given names. That's why names like Bobby or Susie don't sound professional, even though there are plenty of people in professional careers who go by those names. The ie ending is generally regarded as juvenile and not serious enough for a serious adult.nbsp;

This is how I feel. We call DD1 Allie, but because of the "ie" ending, I couldn't see it as a professional name when she is older. Therefore, we chose to name her Allison and call her Allie.

Zimger

My sons name is Liam. Some consider it to simply be the nn of William but it stands on it's own just fine. Considering that there are several Liam's in the world I don't think he is going to get turned down for a job or looked down upon for his name.

I guess you coukd say that his FN is all he has but if he really wanted to he could go by his MN. So no big deal there either. I do worry about some names aging well but not many.

Then again I attended a liberal arts school where there was an interesting mix of names. Yet, after college, most of us are doing what we are happy with and our names be they traditional or unique have not stopped anyone from succeeding.

Manateearmz

Meh, I don't see it as that important. 

Lue94

plunderb:

I think there is still a class bias in the US against nicknames as given names. That's why names like Bobby or Susie don't sound professional, even though there are plenty of people in professional careers who go by those names. The -ie ending is generally regarded as juvenile and not serious enough for a serious adult. I think we will see this changing to some extent as the current generation grows up and gets used to doctors and judges named Maddie and Jack. But there is still a class split. I am an alum of two Ivy League universities and I always check the baby names in the class announcements of our alumni magazine. It is very, very unusual to see a nickname or a name ending in aden or lyn in these groups. 

I agree.

I don't like child-like, trashy, or uneducated type names. It may not be right, but I believe that when a child grows up and employers have 2 resumes that are the same and one is named Cash and the other is named William, they would call William back before Cash.

OP- I like formal names and you can call the child whatever nn you like. 

tmrchi

A more unique name may actually have the opposite effect of what you are concerned about.  It could be a conversation starter and a way for somebody to stand out.  A conservative law firm might prefer the traditional names, but in another 15-20 years who knows.  Even our president has the first name Barrack-a bit of a departure from all the Johns, Andrews, and Georges.  Then again President Carter went by Jimmy instead of James. 

stahlop

doremi29:

I take the "doesn't age well" responses with a grain of salt.  We chose Piper for DD and a lot of people have said that about her name.  I'm sure her name won't hinder her too much in adulthood.  My hope for my kids would be that they are individual/confident enough to stand out regardless of name, looks, etc., so whether they're one of 5 in their class because it's a trendy/popular name (like DS's name) or whether it "doesn't age well", they'll be just fine because of their awesome personalities  

I realize this doesn't really answer your questions, but it's just my 2 cents on the naming process and, basically, I think you just have to go with what you love.

Personally, I think Ellie is a great name and I think it would suit an adult just fine!

The Piper thing is baffling to me.  I've only ever heard adults called this.  I've never known a child with this name.  It is still one of our top names for this baby if it's a girl.

I really think this only applies if you name your child something really ridiculous like Kitty or Bubba or something that really should only be a nn. 

magsugar13

katie6/26/04:

yes there is a difference, because if you name someone a nn then that's all they have.  If they have a proper name they can choose which they go by.  I'm Kathryn and go by Katie usually, but like having the option.  I have a friend who also went by Katie growing up, but has switched to her full name since being in high school.  I like being about to write a formal name on a resume. I also went through a period at around 3 or 4 when I thought Katie was a baby name and wanted to be called Kathryn.

this is how i feel

dande2129

I like Elliana for a girl with a NN Ellie. Elliana sounds "grown up" to me over Ellie, but I also like Elle as well, and can see Elle being a legit "adult."

Skyjewell23

I always go by this:

Would it be acceptable for the President to have this name?

 

If the answer is yes, then go with it. 

Spacebunny19

I want to name my kid a name that has options.  For me, that includes giving her (we're having another girl) a "full name" that can be shortened, but that she can use as a professional name when it's in its entirety.  There are NN's I like but not enough to use them if I don't like the FN too.

I'm an Allison.  Growing up, I didn't mind being "Alli."  I hated it when I got older.  Now, I don't mind when close friends/family call me "Alli" but I never used it in my professional career.  (Also, I look young, finished school quickly, and would have had an even harder time being taken seriously if I said my name was "Alli.") 

5LittleBears

doremi29:

I take the "doesn't age well" responses with a grain of salt.  We chose Piper for DD and a lot of people have said that about her name.  I'm sure her name won't hinder her too much in adulthood.  My hope for my kids would be that they are individual/confident enough to stand out regardless of name, looks, etc., so whether they're one of 5 in their class because it's a trendy/popular name (like DS's name) or whether it "doesn't age well", they'll be just fine because of their awesome personalities  

I realize this doesn't really answer your questions, but it's just my 2 cents on the naming process and, basically, I think you just have to go with what you love.

Personally, I think Ellie is a great name and I think it would suit an adult just fine!

I'm a Piper, in my 30's and doing just fine! 

doremi29

5LittleBears:

doremi29:

I take the "doesn't age well" responses with a grain of salt.  We chose Piper for DD and a lot of people have said that about her name.  I'm sure her name won't hinder her too much in adulthood.  My hope for my kids would be that they are individual/confident enough to stand out regardless of name, looks, etc., so whether they're one of 5 in their class because it's a trendy/popular name (like DS's name) or whether it "doesn't age well", they'll be just fine because of their awesome personalities  

I realize this doesn't really answer your questions, but it's just my 2 cents on the naming process and, basically, I think you just have to go with what you love.

Personally, I think Ellie is a great name and I think it would suit an adult just fine!

I'm a Piper, in my 30's and doing just fine! 

Woohoo! The only Piper I've ever met was a girl in college and she was so fun!

blu-eyedwife

For me it doesn't matter which direction the name goes - whether from long "formal" to cutesy nickname, or cutesy nickname to "formal" nickname.  As long as their are options!  I do find that many "cutesy" nicknames don't lend themselves to "formal" nicknames.  For instance, Kinsey/Kinsley/Kenzie can't really be shortened to anything that would sound "adult."

Crispity

It's interesting that you used Kate and Liam as examples, because to me these are two names that stand just fine on their own and don't require a "formal" name. My DD is just Kate, which sounds absolutely fine to me on a professional grown-up. I also never would have thought that Liam was a nn for William if it wasn't for this board.

To me, names that are cutesy (as I feel most ending with the "ee" sound are), are nn and need a more formal, adult name. So, Kate and Liam stand alone, Katie and Billy should be nicknames for Katherine and William. Ellie would also fall into the "cutesy" category. Elle is similar to Kate IMO, in that it could stand on its own (albeit I don't think it's that strong as a stand-alone name) or be a nickname, so I don't know that I would use it with the intention of calling her Ellie. I would go with Eleanor, and then she could be Elle, Ellie, or Eleanor.

bumpuser5823822

I appreciate all of the feedback, Ladies! It was just a concept that has sat in the back of my mind and nagged me from time to time and I was just looking for some outside views on the topic.

GTown08

To add, one of my best friends in law school was just "Ellie" - her parents didn't see the point in giving her a longer name if that's the name she would be known by.  And she's now a very successful lawyer.  So, I wouldn't worry too much about having a name to grow into (though, I want to name my kids really long names so they have plenty of options for NN).