Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

+ 1

In other cultures, it's the norm to choose a formal name you like and expect that to be used at all times. In the US, you do have to think about potential nicknames because they are soooo heavily used (Nicholas -Nick, Michael - Mike, Daniel - Dan, Katherine - Kate, Elizabeth - Ellie or Lizzie, etc. etc. etc.)

Even if you make it through your child's childhood using the formal name, I've found that teachers often give them nicknames when they start school in order to differentiate between children with the same name. "Ok you're Katherine, you're Kate, and you're Katie."

When I was teaching, I always asked the kids which version of their name they preferred and they almost always told me a shortened version.

I hope that teachers don't do this. That would be presumptuous and disrespectful.

Many are too lazy. If I have to tell one more teacher it's Christopher and not Chris, my head may explode.

Anonymous wrote:

+ 1

In other cultures, it's the norm to choose a formal name you like and expect that to be used at all times. In the US, you do have to think about potential nicknames because they are soooo heavily used (Nicholas -Nick, Michael - Mike, Daniel - Dan, Katherine - Kate, Elizabeth - Ellie or Lizzie, etc. etc. etc.)

Even if you make it through your child's childhood using the formal name, I've found that teachers often give them nicknames when they start school in order to differentiate between children with the same name. "Ok you're Katherine, you're Kate, and you're Katie."

When I was teaching, I always asked the kids which version of their name they preferred and they almost always told me a shortened version.

I hope that teachers don't do this. That would be presumptuous and disrespectful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Why does EVERY name seem to need a nickname?

American culture is very casual and susceptible to nicknames.

+ 1

In other cultures, it's the norm to choose a formal name you like and expect that to be used at all times. In the US, you do have to think about potential nicknames because they are soooo heavily used (Nicholas -Nick, Michael - Mike, Daniel - Dan, Katherine - Kate, Elizabeth - Ellie or Lizzie, etc. etc. etc.)

Even if you make it through your child's childhood using the formal name, I've found that teachers often give them nicknames when they start school in order to differentiate between children with the same name. "Ok you're Katherine, you're Kate, and you're Katie."

When I was teaching, I always asked the kids which version of their name they preferred and they almost always told me a shortened version.

They do this at my son's school. Funny story which illustrates the widespread use of nicknames. When my DS was in kinder a girl requested the same nickname as one of his friends was going to request. For that year and first time ever the little boy went by his given name. The little boy still wishes he has been asked first.

I am a proponent of given names but Kiki is cute. I was going to say Kia (b/c I knew a Gia) but realized that might not work b/c of the car company.
Maybe Ari (though that is often a boys nn). Hmmm I guess Kiki it is.

Kiki is the best one

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Why does EVERY name seem to need a nickname?

American culture is very casual and susceptible to nicknames.

+ 1

In other cultures, it's the norm to choose a formal name you like and expect that to be used at all times. In the US, you do have to think about potential nicknames because they are soooo heavily used (Nicholas -Nick, Michael - Mike, Daniel - Dan, Katherine - Kate, Elizabeth - Ellie or Lizzie, etc. etc. etc.)

Even if you make it through your child's childhood using the formal name, I've found that teachers often give them nicknames when they start school in order to differentiate between children with the same name. "Ok you're Katherine, you're Kate, and you're Katie."

When I was teaching, I always asked the kids which version of their name they preferred and they almost always told me a shortened version.

You make this sound like a major achievement requiring major effort.

Also I think it's unlikely that OP's Chiara will be Chiara A., to distinguish her from the Chiara B., Chiara C., and Chiara D. in her class. Not impossible, but unlikely.

Anonymous wrote:I am considering naming my first child Chiara. I know the name gets a mixed reception on here, but I’m not looking or opinions on the name itself (its my DH’s grandmother’s name and important to him; I love the name). Yes, I’m prepared for people in the US pronouncing it incorrectly (pronounced key-ARE-a).

I’m wondering what nicknames you have seen used for the name. Or, if we should consider a middle name that could allow us to call her by her initials. Or something else. I would use the name itself but I feel like most three syllable names get nicknamed, and I’m wondering the best one.

They don't "get nicknamed". People use nicknames -- or they don't use nicknames. Nobody has to have a nickname. If you want to call her Chiara, then call her Chiara. Or name her Chiara or give her whatever nickname you want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Why does EVERY name seem to need a nickname?

American culture is very casual and susceptible to nicknames.

+ 1

In other cultures, it's the norm to choose a formal name you like and expect that to be used at all times. In the US, you do have to think about potential nicknames because they are soooo heavily used (Nicholas -Nick, Michael - Mike, Daniel - Dan, Katherine - Kate, Elizabeth - Ellie or Lizzie, etc. etc. etc.)

Even if you make it through your child's childhood using the formal name, I've found that teachers often give them nicknames when they start school in order to differentiate between children with the same name. "Ok you're Katherine, you're Kate, and you're Katie."

When I was teaching, I always asked the kids which version of their name they preferred and they almost always told me a shortened version.

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Why does EVERY name seem to need a nickname?

American culture is very casual and susceptible to nicknames.

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Why does EVERY name seem to need a nickname?

Birth certificate or bust!

Kiki

Chi

I also know a Kiki.

Nothing. Why does EVERY name seem to need a nickname?

Kiki

I am considering naming my first child Chiara. I know the name gets a mixed reception on here, but I’m not looking or opinions on the name itself (its my DH’s grandmother’s name and important to him; I love the name). Yes, I’m prepared for people in the US pronouncing it incorrectly (pronounced key-ARE-a).

I’m wondering what nicknames you have seen used for the name. Or, if we should consider a middle name that could allow us to call her by her initials. Or something else. I would use the name itself but I feel like most three syllable names get nicknamed, and I’m wondering the best one.