I love the name [name_u]Jude[/name_u], and have for years now, but after receiving some negative feedback from others when I mentioned the name, I’m starting to wonder if it would be better suited as a nickname. What do you guys think?
Thanks so much in advance
I think [name_u]Jude[/name_u] is fine on its own. If you really want to use it as a nn for [name_m]Julian[/name_m]…it only makes sense to me if the middle name starts with a D…ex [name_m]Julian[/name_m] [name_m]David[/name_m] nn [name_u]Jude[/name_u] makes a little more sense than [name_m]Julian[/name_m] [name_m]Henry[/name_m] nn [name_u]Jude[/name_u].
[name_u]Jude[/name_u] and [name_m]Julian[/name_m] are both handsome names, but I feel like using one common name as a nickname for another common name, when it’s not a normal/established nickname for that, would just be confusing. I’d just use [name_u]Jude[/name_u] if you love [name_u]Jude[/name_u]- I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t be usable? [name_f]Remember[/name_f] that there’s no one name that will get universal positive feedback- like music, food or clothes, people have different taste in names and you can’t please everyone, so just pick what you like!
[name_u]Jude[/name_u] is lovely and works just fine as a standalone!
However, [name_m]Julian[/name_m] is also very handsome and I think [name_u]Jude[/name_u] definitely works as a nickname. The Beatles song “Hey [name_u]Jude[/name_u]” was inspired by [name_m]John[/name_m] [name_u]Lennon[/name_u]'s son [name_m]Julian[/name_m], so it’s not a new or unheard-of connection.
I think it’s adorably Beatles-like. 
It’s a bit of a stretch, but it can work.
Sorry, but I don’t think using [name_u]Jude[/name_u] as a nickname is the best solution to your problem.
You don’t mention specifically what negative feedback you got, but for what it’s worth, I think [name_u]Jude[/name_u] is a well established and strong name all on its own. I wouldn’t want to water [name_u]Jude[/name_u] down by using it as a nickname for another name, even if I liked both names equally and planned to called a child by both interchangeably.