Legal nickname | Imamother

amother

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 2:48 am

Has anyone used their child’s nickname as their legal name? Specifically asking for a name that is on the longer side. I’m torn about this and unsure what to do. I see reasons to and not to do so.

amother

Cornsilk

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 2:56 am

We used a shortened form of dd's name to make it easier. Like if she was Elisheva, we did Sheva.

amother

Brunette

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 4:16 am

Both of my kids I put their nickname as the name on the birth certificate. Don’t see why not, makes everything easier with pronunciation, insurance, bank accounts, etc.
The name I’m called by is the one on my birth certificate and all legal documents and I think it’s easier than having to remember a separate legal name. I know people either spell out the Hebrew name in English or choose a separate English name entirely for legal purposes but don’t see why it’s necessary

singleagain

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 6:30 am

What if they grow out of their nickname? And want to be known by their full name but then they'll have to deal with their legal name being a name that they no longer want to use.

amother

DarkGreen

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 6:49 am

My husband changed his name legally so that his documents all have his nickname. It really simplifies things for him.

amother

Nectarine

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 7:58 am

We gave our baby nickname as legal name
Like miri for miriam or shevy for batsheva

amother

Cream

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 9:27 am

My husband's first name is Aryeh. His nickname/is called by Ari. His legal name on his birth certificate is Ari.

amother

Honeysuckle

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 9:41 am

amother DarkGreen wrote:

My husband changed his name legally so that his documents all have his nickname. It really simplifies things for him.

Do you know how he did it? I really want to do that but I'm confused how to go about it.

amother

Scarlet

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 9:44 am

No it's a legal document and I think a person should have a real name on a legal document not a nickname

amother

Ecru

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 9:45 am

I specifically put the full name as given by the bris or kiddush. I want a record of what the name is, unfortunately I’ve heard of stories where people don’t know grandparents correct names since they can’t find a record. Especially post holocaust that the only things left we have of millions of people is just their recorded names.

amother

Aqua

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 9:52 am

I wish my parents had. My nickname is common Jewish way ppl with my name are called
I have 2 hebrew names. The name that I do not go by at all and nothing like my nickname is on my birth certificate.
I have missed the first time I’ve been called to dr appts many times. Or gone in for the wrong name. Given my wrong name. At work it’s so confusing.

(As en example let’s say my name is Sara Esther. I’m called Esti. My birth certificate says Sara. I’ve never been called Sara a day in my life)

(My dh is yekke and they put an English name in birth certificate which I find even more confusing)

↑ Ruchel

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 10:08 am

amother Ecru wrote:

I did this too

amother

Cantaloupe

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 10:10 am

amother DarkGreen wrote:

My husband changed his name legally so that his documents all have his nickname. It really simplifies things for him.

I tell my husband to do this all the time. if it would be a simple process he really would, his full name is his legal name and it's hard to pronounce, long to spell out with a lot of similar sounding letters. it's just one name.

Goldengoose

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 10:13 am

I do whatever is easiest and simplest to say, spell and pronounce for non-Jews.

so far I didnt write a nickname on the BC but I did write names that child isn't called by, or an English version of names that hard to pronounce and spell.

amother

Rainbow

Wed, Sep 18 2024, 10:32 am

I changed my legal name. The actual process of getting a court order from local probate court was very easy. Honestly the most annoying part of the whole process has been trying to update our utility bills. I was able to update my passport, drivers license, Social Security number, etc. etc. very easily. For some reason, the utility bill companies are a lot more difficult when it comes to changing a name. 🤷🏻‍♀️