# Do you use the full form of your first name? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 13, 2001, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111 "2001-11-13T13:59:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![anya\_marie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@anya\_marie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anya_marie)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/101 "2001-11-15T12:45:11Z")
Shannon. Not Shana, nor Shanna, and do not even think of Sharon. I do not especially care for my middle name, and so not acknowlege it often IRL. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/102 "2001-11-15T12:55:24Z")
I’ll answer to practically anything, depending on the situation. When I’m visiting my relatives down in Texas I’m “Jeff Lee” to differentiate me from my brother in law “Jeff Lynn”. “Jeff Lee” is also my handle on eBay. The only time I use my formal name, with the e after the r, is when I’m using my legal signature. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/103 "2001-11-15T12:57:53Z")
Oops, got my before and after confused. That second “e” comes before the “r”. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![royjwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@royjwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/royjwood)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/104 "2001-11-15T14:20:16Z")
I once dated a very beautiful woman named Wendy. I still lov that name. But it always make me think of the old song, “Everyone knows its Wendy… And Wendy has stormy eyes, that flash at the sound of lies!!!” Someone once asked me what the “J” stood for, another person quickly answered “Jackass”. Well, allow me to assure you, although that may very well be the case, no one, but no one, never, no not ever, calls me by anthing other than my given name of Roy. Except of course for my most perfect fiancee. Oh and then of course, those who are familiar with my books call me “Doctor Happy”! ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/105 "2001-11-15T14:52:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by royjwood \* > \*\*I once dated a very beautiful woman named Wendy. I still lov that name. But it always make me think of the old song, > > “Everyone knows its Wendy… > And Wendy has stormy eyes, > that flash at the sound of lies!!!”\*\* You’re aware that’s really [Windy](http://www.summer.com.br/~pfilho/html/lyrics/w/windy.txt), yes? ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/106 "2001-11-15T14:54:44Z")
I’m Kevin when I’m using my name for business reasons, or if you’re just an acquaintance. I prefer people to call me Kev. Especially if you’re a friend. And I actually encourage any girl I go out with to address me the same way. ---
**Author:** ![royjwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ce73a5/32.png) [@royjwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/royjwood)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/107 "2001-11-15T15:04:28Z")
To Jeff Olsen No need for nitpicking. As long as it sounds good, it has to be good. But, to answer your question, “No, I have never read the lyrics, only listened to them.” But is does not actully affect my earlier reply, so still no need for nitpicking. But truly thanks anyway, I will check it out. Makes one wonder how many other songs are not what we think… ---
**Author:** ![TelcontarStorm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3ab097/32.png) [@TelcontarStorm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TelcontarStorm)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/108 "2001-11-15T16:57:54Z")
…My Father named me after a sack of Potatoes.What more do you want from me?And my Mom being a good Catholic girl agreed as there are Saints with the name.(Barbara being the Patron Saint of Ammunition workers,Ann being the mother of Holy Mary) For family and friends I’m Barb.For business and work I am Barbara,or better yet Barbara Ann.(But I still cringe when hearing them together,as I automaticly think “What did I do wrong now?”) …Not Babs (A Cartoon Bunny) …Not Barbie (that witch has everything!) …Not Barbzilla,Barbarino,Or Barbarosa. .Not BAK(my Initals,though my Mom is the only one who tries to use this on me and she gets grimaced at,then ignored) .Growing up there were 3 Barbaras in the neighborhood.One was Barbie,And one was Barbara,so Barb fell to me by default and it has stayed.(Barbara is Greek for one who speaks a strange language. Babel sound familiar?) .My Best friend uses his middle name exclusively.I never knew his actual first name untill we’d been friends for years.When signing paperwork he initials his first name the way J.Paul Ghetty did. . My roommate and his son are both James.It gets confusing but we pronounce the s in the youngers as a z so he is JameZ The older gets very,very,very upset with you if you call him anything but James.No matter who you are. .When choosing a mane for my daughter I wanted something unique and flexible.I chose Jameelah(Jah-me-la,Arabic for beautiful)She goes by Jamie.When she’s being difficult she is “Miss Lynn”.Since the bombing of WTC she has been shy about telling ppl her given name.It makes me feel bad for her,but I can’t account for others closemindedness. …I do go out of my way to call ppl by their proper names. To do anything else is an affront to them.Especialy when first being introduced.Unless they tell me otherwise. .Keep fighting Ignorance!!!There’s plenty of it out there yet! ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/109 "2001-11-15T17:28:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by royjwood \* > \*\*To Jeff Olsen > > No need for nitpicking. As long as it sounds good, it has to be good. > > But, to answer your question, “No, I have never read the lyrics, only listened to them.” But is does not actully affect my earlier reply, so still no need for nitpicking. > > But truly thanks anyway, I will check it out. Makes one wonder how many other songs are not what we think… \*\* Just checking. Thought you might have known the correct name but altered it for Wendy. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/110 "2001-11-15T17:53:22Z")
I pretty much only call myself Matt. Not only is it easier to say in French, I think it’s more pleasant than Matthew. ---
**Author:** ![mancunian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mancunian/32/12244_2.png) [@mancunian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mancunian)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2001, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/111 "2001-11-15T18:54:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LaurAnge \* > \*\*No one has ever managed to come up with a good contraction to my name (Lauren). > > Hence, that is what I go by. \*\* Isn’t Lol or Loz short Lauren(ce), Laura etc? My name in full form makes me cringe(Jeffrey). Everybody calls me Jeff which is just fine by me. ---
**Author:** ![WEW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8edcca/32.png) [@WEW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WEW)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/112 "2001-11-16T02:18:49Z")
My given name is Willie. I hate being called Willie, except by my mom, and sometimes my wife. I go by Will, but people often call me William. I used to correct them, but I’d rather they not know my real name. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/113 "2001-11-16T02:33:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rue DeDay \*) > > There, there (as I pat you affectionately on the head). Have a cookie and go play. > > \*\* mmmmmm. cookie gooooood. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![delphica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9a140/32.png) [@delphica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delphica)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/114 "2001-11-16T02:37:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Green Bean \* > \*\*On a related note–why do some girls insist on calling their boyfriends/husbands by their full names when no one else does? And when they do so, why do they insist on putting big emphasis on the “lengthened” syllable? > > Think Jackie on That 70’s Show. She’s the only one who calls him mi-KULL. > > Drives me nuts. I hate to hear all those whiny girls saying pe-TURR or ro-BERT or jef-FREE or da-VID or chris-TOPHER or will-YUM. > \*\* **Green Bean** , I think I’m guilty of this. I call the Better Half by his full name. In my own defense, it’s because he would prefer for _everyone_ to call him by his full name, but sadly, no one does. His family calls him by his middle name (which he hates but I love) and my family is full of those very annoying people who assume that everyone likes to be called by a nickname. Out of compassion, I feel that I have to call the poor guy by the name he prefers, since not one other person will deign to do this. His mom actually calls up on the phone, and if I say something like “Full Name just ran to the store” she pauses, puzzled, and says “You mean Middle Name?” which freaks me out a bit, I mean, _who else_ would I be talking about? And she’s the one who picked Full Name in the first place! ---
**Author:** ![SterlingNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@SterlingNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SterlingNorth)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/115 "2001-11-16T03:11:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LaurAnge \* > \*\*No one has ever managed to come up with a good contraction to my name (Lauren). > > Hence, that is what I go by. \*\* How 'bout Ren? Wesley isn’t all that long, nor difficult to spell or pronounce, so I guess there isn’t a need to consistently shorten it. Though I get the occasional ‘Wes-lay’ or ‘West-lee’. Wesley or Wes. Same difference. Which one I introduce people as is probably determined more or less at random. Though there is one person who used to continually call me ‘Wheeze-lee’. Also there is one person who, even after repeated corrections, calls me Leslie (now mostly a girl’s name). And a classmate of mine, for whatever strange reason, shortens my name to Lee. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/116 "2001-11-16T03:36:02Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by delphica \* > **Green Bean** , I think I’m guilty of this._\* Oh, you’re forgiven, my dear fellow Elizabeth. 🙂 If he prefers it, then it’s okay. (His mama sounds a teensy bit manipulative, tho!) My poor husband is named Jeffrey. Everyone calls him Jeff. Only his mom calls him by the full name. And my mom? She calls him “My Little Jeffy-Weffy.” Unfortunately, it’s begun to catch on. I call him Jeffy-Weffy now, too. He’s a tolerant soul. ---
**Author:** ![Michele\_in\_SoCal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Michele\_in\_SoCal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michele_in_SoCal)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/117 "2001-11-16T03:59:31Z")
Michele (with one ‘L’ thank you very much!), never Shelly. My husband shortens it to “Meesh” which is ok to listen to, but awful to look at in writing. ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/118 "2001-11-16T06:32:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Homebrew \* > **If I introduce myself as James, then don’t be presumptuous and call me Jim. If you knew me well enough to use a nickname, you’d know I don’t go by Jim. The false familiarity grates my nerves.** I’m exactly the opposite. People who use Robert, obviously don’t know me (for instance telemarketers) or they are trying to be formal. In either case, I dislike Robert and go by Bob. ---
**Author:** ![Rue\_DeDay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/41988e/32.png) [@Rue\_DeDay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rue_DeDay)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/119 "2001-11-16T12:41:17Z")
More news on the “Lauren” front… Lauren Bacall was called “Betty”. Of course being actually named Betty Joan Perske had nothing to do with it. -Rue. ---
**Author:** ![Who\_me\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/958977/32.png) [@Who\_me\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Who_me_1)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2001, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111/120 "2001-11-16T13:21:08Z")
My first name is Robert… just call me Dave. I will not respond to Robert. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-the-full-form-of-your-first-name/93111.md?page=5)