Thoughts on Jimmy (not James)

bll530 · July 2010

My dad's (who passed away 2 yrs ago) name was Jimmy. If we have a boy, H and I have tossed around the idea of him Jimmy. I'm having issues with naming a child Jimmy, though I think my dad was fine with it for all of his adult life. We could do James (which was my grandpa's name) and call him Jimmy as a little kid. Or maybe use Jimmy as a middle name.... just wanted to get people's thoughts. Thanks.

Becky262 · July 2010

Jim is okay, James is better, but I don't like Jimmy. Not for a little boy, not ever.

Sorry to hear about your father

strangebird · July 2010

I don't think it would be a stigma or harm his development, but I do understand your hesitation. As the parent, you'll have to field a lot of questions like, "short for James?" in his early years. Jimmy as a standalone name has a childish element to it. That said, I immediately associate the name Jimmy with Jimmy Carter and you obviously associate it with your father, both adults, so I think it can be done. If you truly want to honor your father, I think the right thing to do is to use Jimmy, not James, despite the drawbacks.

mr14 · July 2010

I don't think it grows up well. It reminds me of "Timmy" from South Park. They always said his name really funny.

k*princess · July 2010

I would probably do James, nn Jimmy, just because I don't usually like nicknames as actual names. That way you honor both your grandfather and your father... double meaning for you! That said, if you really feel strongly about using Jimmy, it would probably be fine.

hewinked · July 2010

DH's name is James, and to his family and long-time friends, he's Jimmy. It's so weird to me when I hear them say Jimmy, not cuz he's an adult, but because we rarely see his family. To me, all his co-workers, and friends here with us, he's Jim. And to complete strangers, he introduces himself as James, lol.

My point is, I never knew him as Jimmy at all until the first time I met his family and some of his friends. I think Jimmy sounds more like a younger boy's name. In order to honor your dad, I think I'd name him James, but call him Jimmy. He may get older and want to use James, so I'd give him that option.

MrsFoof · July 2010

I love the name James- it is our cats name! But, I also think Jimmy would be a good middle name. I wouldn't use Jimmy as a first name though.

Unknown · July 2010

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plunderb · July 2010

I agree w/ pp ? name him James, call him Jimmy. He can always decide to go by Jimmy as an adult, but giving him the option of James for formal occasions and resumes is a good idea (esp. since it is a family name too).

Also of note: around here, jimmies are those little rainbow (or chocolate) confetti things that go on top of ice cream.

bll530 · July 2010

plunderb:
Also of note: around here, jimmies are those little rainbow (or chocolate) confetti things that go on top of ice cream.

lol. People would often misspell his name as Jimmie, maybe they were thinking of ice cream toppings.

Thanks ladies for your opinions. I still don't know what to do, but it's good to have a range of thoughts. Maybe we'll have a girl and I won't have to make a decision.

jellyandcake · July 2010

love jimmy! i love old fashioned diminutives: billy, charlie, tommy, etc. i just think you can't go wrong with these names.

ETA: i prefer giving the full name and calling them the nn as children.

still_a_bride · July 2010

I think using Jimmy is fine. I actually know a lady who just named her son Jimmy and I thought that was really cool. And it has a special meaning to you, even more reason to use it! If I have a daughter in the future I will name her after my great-grandma who has a "nn name."

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