this is really interesting. I can completely see the point (which is also my DHs) to give the full name so when the child is older they have options...

but i'm a bit in the camp of "if you want people to call the child X then name them X''.

I think shortened names and nicknames will happen whatever you name them. For example my user names is Grub because from about 1yrs old that's what my dad started calling me... as a result NONE of my family use my christian name (yes in 28 and i answer to Grub). But if my parents had of officially named me Grub... well hmm. But my chrisitan name is virtually unshortenable iykwim.

My brother is Benjamin and only gets called that when in trouble otherwise he's Ben or Fred (another dad gem there!).

Suppose what i'm saying is there's positives and negative. I would personally call a child whatever the parents did. So if bub's name on the certificate is Charlotte but you only call her Lottie (which i just love by the way), then I would use lottie.

If you are worried,I would just tell everyone her full names is Lottie Middle Surname and leave it at that. don't mentioned the long version. I do like the suggestion of using violet... very pretty too.

good luck!