Sunday, August 16, 2009

Nickname Dilemma

I have 4 children; all of whom have been given long, somewhat complicated names. My first 3 were born with simplified, 3-letter nicknames. I was hoping to keep up the trend with child number 4, but for some reason it just hasn't happened. No one can seem to agree on one that fits.

I must have created an imaginary scenario in my head because I could have sworn that we had decided on Mal, before he was even born. Well, I'm the only one who remembers that agreement and therefore in the meantime we call him by his full name, Malachi.

I often shorten it-or elongate it-with silly little rhyming names. My favorite so far is Moe-Moe, or Moe for short. I'm also still keen on Mal. I don't want to confuse the poor boy, but we may just have to call him every random name we think up until one sticks; or maybe just keep it long?

What do you think? I know the ultimate decision is up to us, as the parents, but it's always fun to hear what others think.

I added a poll to the side bar--polls are great! Cast your vote, if you dare...

To add more info to your decision, my 3 oldest are named:

Thaddeus, or Tad
Athalia, or Ati
Elias, or Eli

and

Malachi, or...?

Thanks for your input!

9 comments:

Bugs said...

Be careful what you pin on the kid. I was called Renny-bug then Renny-bugs then just Bugs since I was younger than Malachi. Now I'm almost 30 and EVERYONE still calls me Bugs. I'm not complaining, just a thought about what name you call your kid.

Jen said...

That's a good point, Bugs, thanks for your insight. so, i guess that rules out any elongated or rhyming nicknames ;)

..i think my biggest concern stems back to the fact that i always hated being called by my full name. it feels so formal, or like i'm in trouble. really, all the pain i inflict on my children is due to my own unsorted 'issues'...

Angie said...

I voted for Mal, but thinking about some more, I think Chi would be cuter.

Jen said...

Angie-I've actually thought about that, and wanted to spell his name Mala-kai for that reason, but we decided to go with the traditional spelling, and unfortunately chi reads like "chee" instead of "kai"...so, i just don't think i can go with that.

Daryl said...

I vote for Kai!

Jess said...

Okay, so I voted on Mac, but my first thought was towards Mal, so I have to change my vote to what sounded best to me at first.

okay, and now I'm reading that some people said "Kai", and I really like that too!--But I see your dilemma with the spelling bit. darn it.

Danielle said...

How about Chi?? thats kinda cute :)

mdhoskins said...

In portuguese "mal" means bad, so....I don't know how obedient this child is but it could be just right. I think Kai works because his name is malachi, which sounds the same. The spelling of Kai doesn't have to bo chi. eg. michael is shortened to mike even though there is no k in michael.

John Hoschouer said...

We decided on Moe, or Moe Moe... So let it be writen so let it be done.