Going by an unconventional nickname?

Girl Names
1

Hey everyone!
Any tips on making an unconventional nickname stick? (Aka, a name that’s not overly different from the real name but not the conventional nickname for it either).
Like an [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] who goes by [name_f]Lily[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Lizzy[/name_f] or a [name_f]Jennifer[/name_f] that goes by [name_f]Janie[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Jenny[/name_f].
I’ve got a slightly unconventional nickname picked out that makes sense from my name but isn’t the default nickname. How do I start going by it?
Also, what to do if people say ‘that’s not a nickname for (name), so we’re calling you (traditional nickname) instead?

Thank you :heart:

2

These are based on what I’ve see other people do when they have an unconventional nickname or a new name:

  • introduce yourself by the nickname first, before the full name
  • change your name on any social media if you have it, and only have the new name/nickname there - as it’s a new nn, you could make a post announcing it - that’s what friends have done. you could also do that in any friend/family group chats if you have them
  • get some people on side - friends on family who call you the nickname, so other people hear you being called that and will hopefully catch on
  • if you’re in school, uni or work, you could speak to you manager or admin, to have the nickname/preferred name added onto any registers or emails?
  • just use it in day to day life - if you’re signing off a card, use the nickname, get a keyring or a something custom with the nickname on it, just so it’s in use, around people
  • if people say ’ ‘that’s not a nickname for (name), so we’re calling you (traditional nickname) instead’, I guess you could say something like ‘that’s not my name though’ or ‘this is what I go by’. If they call you that, despite you correcting, you could ignore them whenever they call you the wrong one - and then be like oh, but I’m [actual nickname] - or if you want to be more sassy, pick a name that isn’t their own/a nickname they don’t use, and call them that, and hopefully they’d get the message. I’d also say, sometimes people are going to call you a thing no matter what you say or do - focus on the new people you meet, the people who will call you what you want to be called
3

I very highly doubt you will meet will counter with this. If you introduce yourself as Tess, people will call you that!

However, with family and close friends, perhaps it’ll be a tricky start. Going by a new name is a process—people are bound to slip up, and some may resist at first. But it’s your name. You are validated in your choice to and allowed to ask them to call you the name you prefer.

4

I think introducing yourself as the nn as if it’s your name is the only way really, and you’re unlikely to be able to change people who’ve always known you by your name or intuitive nickname. Nicknames are generally given by others, not chosen yourself, which is why I’ve avoided using some names where I really dislike the intuitive nickname.