would you use the "nickname" as name instead of the usual full version?

[~Kim~]

Well depends.
Nate is Nate, not Nathanial or Nathan so I guess his name is a shortened version.
However, that said, in my personal opinion only some names are too cutesy to use as real names. I'd hate to think my kid would be embarrassed by their name later when there could have been an easier option.

[Phteven]

One of my friends is a Rob not a Robert because his mother didn't like Robert. Then he became a ski instructor and started calling himself Roberto PMSL. So I guess if they like the longer name they'll use it anyway....

[Glamourcide]

There are heaps of shortened versions of names that I think suit little kids better, or I just don't like the actual name but I love the nickname, but I'm the type that would put the full name on the birth certificate and then just use the shortened version. I think for me, I say to myself, 'What if the child doesn't like the 'kid' version when they get older?' or 'What if they end up in a professional sort of job and want a more 'serious' name in order to be taken seriously by colleagues/clients/employers etc?'

Then there's always the situation where you love the nickname, but it doesn't 'flow' so well with your surname but the long version does.

My prime example is the name Katherine - not a big fan of 'Katherine', but I LOVE Katie and wanted to use it for one of the girls (DH didn't like it so it was out). But Katie can sound quite juvenile, so I thought if I put 'Katie' on the birth cert, she might want a more formal name later in life. And, Katie and Kate just don't go with our surname, but Katherine sounded lovely with it.

If that makes any sense...

I also find it really annoying that BIL's name on his birth cert is 'Chris' - not Christopher or Christian. Just Chris. It's a pain for when I'm cranky with him or am about to launch into a lecture hahaha - 'Chriiiissss...' just doesn't have quite the same ring as 'CHRIS-to-pheeerrrr...' lol. I would have liked it better if his parents had put Christopher on the birth cert and then just called him Chris hahaha.

[Tinks]

My sisters name is Amanda but she's been called Mandy since birth. She hates Amanda and my Mum has always said she wishes she'd called her Mandy instead. I also know alot of people who are called shortened versions of their names and have no issues ie: Sue/Susan Chirs/Christine. It's a tough call. Can I ask what the name is?