Is this too much or a stretch?

One of the names we’re considering for our baby girl due this fall (twins–boy and girl) is [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f]. We’ve talked about all of the obvious nicknames–Haddie, [name_f]Dassa/name_f, even [name_f]Dee[/name_f] (my husband’s contribution)–but wondering if [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] is too much of a stretch?

What do you think? Does [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] work as a nickname for [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f]?

[name_f]LARK[/name_f]

I should add, as I’ve done some research (Googling) I’ve run across several obituaries/genealogy links for women named Haddassah but called [name_f]Heidi[/name_f], so I guess there’s at least some historical precedence.

[name_f]LARK[/name_f]

I guess it could work, but why not just name her [name_f]Heidi[/name_f]?

I would expect a [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] to be an [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] to be honest. When nicknames are derived from given names, it should be immediately obvious (or was immediately obvious at one point in time) how the nickname came about when looking at the given name. As I fail to see how the nickname for [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] derives from Haddassah, I would say [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] is too far fetched for Haddassah.

[name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] is lovely, but [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] does feel like quite a large stretch. Normally nn stretches aren’t that big of a deal in my mind, but since [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] is a stand alone name, I think that changes things. FWIW, I knew an adult Hadass whom I never heard called by a nn.

I think it would work fine, but agree with @boyandgirl that I would recommend just naming her [name_f]Heidi[/name_f]. it’s a great name!

In general, I like roundabout nicknames a lot, but I don’t really care for this one because all of the vowel sounds are different. It really just keeps the H and D and replaces the rest. I think it gets by as a nn option, and I’ll admit that I [name_f]DO[/name_f] like [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] nn [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] better than [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] nn [name_f]Heidi[/name_f], in spite of historic tradition and etymology. Nonetheless, I think I would rather see either [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] OR [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] used as the name.

I had no idea [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] was related to [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] - and don’t think the connection is obvious.
I wouldn’t jump right to [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] from [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f], but I think it’s cute.
If it’s helpful, I know a [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] who goes by [name_f]Esther[/name_f] - which I think is clever and cute.

It’s a bit of a stretch. I usually don’t mind nicknames that aren’t super obvious, but because these two names are so obviously ethnically different and the connection isn’t obvious, unless you are a [name_m]German[/name_m]/Jewish family it would stand out as odd to me. I would go with the nn Haddie or just use the name [name_f]Heidi[/name_f].

I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch! Plus nn’s sometimes are a stretch, it’s just what ends up sticking. You shouldn’t worry too much about it. With that said, I personally prefer Haddie. It’s really cute!

Seconding this :slight_smile:

I would think of an [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] first. I would not do it because their origins are too different and there is no connection. But I think it works for [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f].

[name_f]Heidi[/name_f] comes from [name_f]Adelheid[/name_f], the [name_m]German[/name_m] form of [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] but has been used as a full name for a very long time.
It would be a stretch to use it for [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] as the names have no relation and are so stylistically different (with [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] being in-your-face biblical and [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] being the little girl from the alps).
I do think either name her [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] or go for Haddie, which is also sweet.

It’s a massive stretch that Im not comfortable with simply because they have such different origins. They developed across the world from each other.

That being said I like both names a lot and I understand sound wise where you’re coming from. That’s why I think it could work as an occasional nickname but spelt differently, or just not written. Maybe Haidy?

I’m never a fan of crossing one’s fingers and hoping a nickname sticks. It works in your home, of course, but in school? Out in the world?

I never heard the name [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] before, but it sounds interesting, feminine, and cool.

I also love [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] and Haddie. I say choose one of the three for the full name. :slight_smile:

I’m just curious what your boy name is? It may make a difference as far as name and nickname.

I am also normally ok with stretching phonetics for nicknames, but the different origins and feels of [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] and [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] make it seem like one stretch too far to me. Although I also think [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] for [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] makes no sense, I think it should be for [name_f]Adelheid[/name_f] or a stand-alone name. But then I know quite a few Adelheids!

[name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] nn Haddie is adorable, go with that! I think you could also definitely get [name_f]Dessa[/name_f] if that appeals?

Thanks for all the input. The origin on the names is my main concern, rather than the phonetics of it. [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] is an honor name, so that’s why we’re considering using it instead of just naming her [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] to begin with. If we used [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] or Haddie as a nn it would be almost exclusively used and [name_f]Hadassah[/name_f] would mostly be a formal/legal name. We don’t have a boys name yet. Girls names are harder for us, so that’s what we’re focusing on for now.

More thinking to do…

[name_f]LARK[/name_f]

I love [name_f]Heidi[/name_f]! I think you could just use it on its own.

[name_f]Heidi[/name_f]? No, I think its not intuitive to get there from [name_f]Hadassa[/name_f]. Haddie, though? Sure. And Haddie might be close enough to work for you guys in place of [name_f]Heidi[/name_f].

Would you mind helping me with my list?