Wondering if [name_m]Thies[/name_m] can be a nickname for [name_m]Theseus[/name_m]? But also what spelling works best? The surname Thiessen is apparently popular in [name_m]Dutch[/name_m] and [name_m]German[/name_m]. [name_m]Thies[/name_m] might be pronounced tice, theez, thayes, tees, thees, etc. Technically a derivative of [name_m]Matthias[/name_m], has good meaning. How would one naturally try to spell a name pronounced th-ees, like th-ink or th-esaurus rhymes with geese? Slight mispronunciations are okay such as theez or thays, but ultimately want something one syllable, uncommon, least amount of fuss when read and writing it. I have considered [name_f]Thais[/name_f] but it’s a “girl’s” name (I hate that that matters), [name_m]Thies[/name_m], Thiese, Thiesse, Theis, Theise, Thes, etc. Started as a need for a game character, but it’s been 2 years of saying it and not writing it down, if I can get the spelling just right might use the name in real life.
I’ve never heard of any of these names and it makes my brain hurt- 
[name_m]Theseus[/name_m] was a hero and [name_m]King[/name_m] in ancient [name_u]Athens[/name_u], Greece. [name_m]Just[/name_m] looking for a nickname, not sure how to go about spelling it. Independent video game project.
If it’s already established that the character’s full name is [name_m]Theseus[/name_m], then I think readers/audiences would understand the pronunciation of Theese or Thes or Thees etc as a diminutive of that.
The character’s name will not be [name_m]Theseus[/name_m], but rather his slaying a giant will be inspired by [name_m]Theseus[/name_m]. And I think [name_m]Thies[/name_m], Theis, Thiese sounds adventurous. Opponent character potentially Massis.
I think Thees would make the pronunciation very clear!
Also, if you’re open to other options, I think [name_u]Theo[/name_u] would be a cool nickname for [name_m]Theseus[/name_m]. [name_u]Or[/name_u] Tess/Tex.
I’ve been saying the name out loud throughout storyboard development over a year so I’m not looking at [name_u]Theo[/name_u]. I’ve seen it recommended a lot though so it’s nice, I know people would like [name_u]Theo[/name_u].
I’d probably spell it Thees
Naturally I would spell it Thees or These or Theas (obviously the middle doesn’t work)
[name_m]Thies[/name_m] I would say tea-s
[name_m]Thijs[/name_m] I would say tice
[name_f]Thais[/name_f] I would say tace
Oh my goodness Theas is a great spelling! I didn’t think of it!
[name_m]Thies[/name_m] is technically pronounced tees (in [name_m]German[/name_m] and Dutch). If that’s the pronunciation you want, then you could spell it Tees or Teas. If you want the “th” sound you could spell it Thees or Theas.