We’re considering naming our baby girl [name]Charlise[/name]…but from moment one, calling her [name]Charley[/name]. So basically–only on her birth certificate would it be [name]Charlise[/name]—including to our family (who tend to argue with people about their name choices). We just want to give her the option of having a more “adult” name when she’s older.
But—where do we have to use her legal name? Are we going to be stuck having to listen for a different name everytime the nurse calls her at the pediatrician etc etc? I know school legal paperwork would have to be but there’s usually a “preferred” name option on the paperwork.
My son is named [name]Jaxon[/name] [name]Hale[/name], he goes by [name]Hale[/name] and always has. BUT, has always been called [name]Jaxon[/name] at doctors offices/ schools/ official documents etc. It’s pretty obnoxious. The name [name]Jaxon[/name] has become like nails on a chalk board to me. (My ex and I were divorcing at the time of his birth and he picked it, so that might have a lot to do with it.) I say put the name you want to use on the birth certificate, especially if you think it will bother you hearing it called out all the time.
I think having a formal name for the birth certificate and an informal nickname for day-to-day life is the best way to go. Yes, you will hear her formal name at the doctor’s office and the first day of school. But, since you pointed out that it is for her benefit and choice, she may choose to go by [name]Charlise[/name] when she’s 5. And then, this would all be a moot point.
I think it’s great that you want to give her a sophisticated name on her birth certificate and use [name]Charlie[/name] pretty much all the time
I doubt you’ll hear it much & I’m sure her ped will put [name]Charlise[/name] ‘[name]Charlie[/name]’ _______ on her file. Not a big deal at most offices.
They might do the same at school too. At any rate both names are adorable (I think you made the best choice for a fn to get to nn [name]Charlie[/name]!) but I would want to have the longer fn option if I were her!