[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] [name_m]Sanders[/name_m] was born in [name_f]July[/name_f]. [name_m]Prior[/name_m] to his birth, I decided his nn’s would be [name_m]Dez[/name_m] or [name_m]Dezi[/name_m]. These versions seemed more interesting and fun to me. After [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] was born, I quickly learned that most people intuitively write [name_m]Des[/name_m] or [name_u]Desi[/name_u] when referring to him. Because of this, I second guessed myself, and I changed his nn’s to [name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_u]Desi[/name_u]. I didn’t want his name to look too trendy or forced so I let go of the “z”. Now, however, I am sort of regretting the loss of the “z”.
I think I know this community well enough to assume that most would support the true form of [name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_u]Desi[/name_u], but is there any argument for the [name_m]Dez[/name_m]/[name_m]Dezi[/name_m] option?
I’m blaming hormones for my lack of decisiveness. I want to put this issue to rest once and for all since my dear boy is turning 4 months old. My family is sort of annoyed by the back and forth, too.
I haven’t been on here much lately, but this feels like the most real life name issue I’ve had since joining NB, and I have major respect for the input given here, so thank you in advance.
I prefer [name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_u]Desi[/name_u]. However, I’m not sure why the spelling of his nickname should matter all that much? You should just use whichever you like best and not worry how other people spell it. It’s not official anyway, and he may decide at some point that he prefers one spelling over another. My [name_f]MIL[/name_f] spells her own nickname [name_f]Debi[/name_f] but her mother spells it [name_f]Debbie[/name_f].
While I don’t think most people will agree with me,
I happen to think [name_m]Dez[/name_m]/[name_m]Dezi[/name_m] is more masculine than [name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_u]Desi[/name_u].
That’s just me though.
It’s your child, stick to what you like.
When he’s older, if he decides he doesn’t like it, he’ll spell it differently. But in the meantime, it’s up to you.
I appreciate all of the advice so far. I know it’s up to me, and I set the precedent, that’s why I’m asking for the thoughtful input. I am trying to work through which option hits the eye and mind in a more positive way.
I kind of disagree that the nn doesn’t matter. It really does. I hate nn’s of [name_f]Tamara[/name_f], but [name_f]Tami[/name_f] is very different than [name_f]Tammy[/name_f]. As [name_f]Debi[/name_f] is very different than [name_f]Debby[/name_f].
Spelling of a nickname doesn’t matter. People will still pronounce his name [name_m]DEZ[/name_m] or [name_m]DEZ[/name_m]-ee. I think [name_m]Des[/name_m] or [name_u]Desi[/name_u] is a far more intuitive spelling. [name_u]Desi[/name_u] Arnaz spelled his name this way.
I agree that the spelling does matter. I agonized over how to spell my oldest son’s nn of [name_m]Augie[/name_m]. I considered Auggie too but since the traditional spelling is [name_m]Augie[/name_m] I went with that. It took me months to decide (my husband didn’t care too much either way). It does drive me crazy when people who have known him all his life (like his godparents) spell it Auggie but most spell it [name_m]Augie[/name_m]. I would understand if he wants to spell it differently at some point or even go by [name_u]Gus[/name_u] (like we thought he would).
But I digress… I do prefer [name_m]Des[/name_m] or [name_u]Desi[/name_u]. It feels less forced and less trendy to me. I don’t think either spelling seems more or less masculine.
Well, you didn’t name him Dezmond so it’s intuitive to spell it [name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_u]Desi[/name_u]. I went to school with a [name_m]Desmond[/name_m], nn [name_m]Des[/name_m].
To me [name_m]Dez[/name_m] and especially [name_m]Dezi[/name_m] look trendy and try-hard. [name_u]Desi[/name_u] has [name_u]Desi[/name_u] Arnez as a reference. However the NFL player [name_m]Dez[/name_m] [name_m]Bryant[/name_m] is actually [name_m]Desmond[/name_m]. If I met a baby [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] and Mom insisted that he was [name_m]Dez[/name_m] and not [name_m]Des[/name_m], I’d assume she named her child after him. I don’t know enough about the guy to call it a good or bad association
nat108 and elo, I think you hit the nail on the head with the “z” version looking too try-hard and trendy. I think I gravitated toward the “z” because I love the name [name_m]Desmond[/name_m], but I wanted to somehow give it a more trendy, fun slant. However, once I started writing and typing [name_m]Dez[/name_m]/[name_m]Dezi[/name_m] out, it looked too try-hard, and I found it irritating.
Thanks everyone. I’m feeling more confident in [name_m]Des[/name_m] and [name_u]Desi[/name_u].
I’m most surprised in this thread by how many berries don’t think nn spellings matter. In my life, nn’s are written and typed about as much as they’re said out loud.
Personally, I think nickname spellings are just as important. I was given a nickname before an actual name: my mom wanted to call me [name_u]Ali[/name_u], spelled A-L-I, not [name_f]Ally[/name_f] or [name_u]Allie[/name_u]. She let my dad name me anything that could be shortened to [name_u]Ali[/name_u], and he chose [name_f]Alexandria[/name_f]. I wouldn’t stress too much about it, but yes, it does matter. Personally, I get annoyed when people assume I’m [name_f]Ally[/name_f] or [name_u]Allie[/name_u]…it’s not my name!
Anyway, I think both [name_m]Dez[/name_m] and [name_m]Des[/name_m] work well, [name_m]Dez[/name_m] is more phonetic while [name_m]Des[/name_m] is more traditional. But it’s up to you! I would decide soon, so that you can inform family members; that way they won’t spell his nickname wrong his entire life (like some of mine do!) (:
[name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_u]Desi[/name_u] is more intuitive for [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] and it looks and sounds better to me. [name_m]Dez[/name_m]/[name_m]Dezi[/name_m] is too similar to the word “dizzy” so I don’t like it very much. However, in the grand scheme of things, spelling of the nickname isn’t really important, is it? [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t get yourself worked up over a small detail. Decide which spelling you like the most, tell your family and friends and enjoy your baby.
If spelling absolutely matters, then spell his name [name_m]Des[/name_m] or [name_u]Desi[/name_u]. As I said, it’s more intuitive and it’s how you actually spell a nickname for [name_m]Desmond[/name_m]. [name_m]Dez[/name_m] or [name_m]Dezi[/name_m] looks like you’re trying to be trendy.