Hello, My Name is……
We have loads of names that we call our children. Straight out of the gates we called them by their given name, then added in a couple nicknames, mixed with a few playful-funny names. Just to add to the choas, there is also the reality that the different “people groups” in their lives, refer to them by different names! C’mon, admit it—you do the same for your children! Be sure to share them below. In the meantime, here’s the rundown on some of the ‘handles’ we’ve verbalized over the years…
Sophia:
- Sophia: Her given name, we tend to personally call her this most of the time.
- Soph: Gaining traction as her most-used nickname.
- Sophie: Natural nickname. A lot of friends and family call her this.
- Head: No lie, she had a big head when she was born. Just like her daddy! (FYI: Pronounced like Mike Myers’ dad in So I Married An Axe Murderer.)
- Tofy (toe-fee): Silly one that we used when she was a newborn.
- Até (ah-tay): Tagalog for ‘sister’. This is what Olivia calls Soph right now.
Olivia:
- Olivia: Her given name, and one we use for her majority of the time.
- Ibia (ih-bee-ah): Think this was how Sophia pronounced her name when she was first born, and it stuck!
- Ibs (like ‘cribs’, without the ‘cr’): A few people call her this. Cute. Not to be confused with I.B.S. (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
- Ebby (eh-bee): Flows easy. We’ve used this one a lot!
- Chonky (chawn-kee): Kind of an immediate family thing. Not so much now, but she definitely was a chunky baby!
We laugh about some of these names from time to time. The thing is, despite the names that are given to us as children, by our families, friends, teachers, coaches, etc., at the end of the day, they fail to even scratch the surface of who we really are. The truth is, God’s names for us are inconceivably more meaningful, creative, and lasting, than anything we could have ever imagined on our own. He names us: cherished (Ex 19:5), redeemed (1 John 4:10), beloved (Rom 8:38-39), chosen (Eph 1:11-12), protected (Prov 18:10), and righteous (2 Cor 5:21). Regardless of our past or future, our Father will always call us by name (Isaiah 43:1). How cool is that?! The God of the universe personally and thoroughly knows you by name!
Today, God has reminded me of these names… and I’m grateful:
- Child (John 1:12): God is BIG, yet He chooses to know me intimately.
- New Creation (2 Cor 5:17): My old nature is gone, I don’t have to dwell on past mistakes.
- Sealed (Eph 1:13): No matter the circumstance, the bond between myself and God cannot not be broken.
Photo credit: mollybucketx
Michael
January 24, 2011My son’s name is Ethan Joseph David Perkins.
I call him Dude. I know, not the most eloquent of names, but I’ve called him that since he was tiny.
I think son is probably the name that I need to be reminded of today.
Dustin
January 24, 2011When/if I have a son, I’m copying that for sure. DUDE!
bill (cycleguy)
January 24, 2011I have two adult daughters: Tami & Janna. We would shorten Tami’s name to Tam upon occasion but for the most they have always gone by their given names. Jan doesn’t fit for Janna. Tami was 4 when Janna was born so she has always pronounced it correctly. I will call them “honey” from time to time. My best name? I would say “son.”
Dustin
January 24, 2011I’m with you on “son” – very humbling.
Ben
January 24, 2011Let’s see, we have Kiersten who we call Kiss/Kissy, not sure when that even started but it stuck and that’s what all of her teammates and friends call her.
Madison, who we call Madi or mad-dawg.
Jackson we call Jack, and the girls and mom occasionally call him Jackie. We’ll see how long that lasts.
I love being reminded that I am “child.” He chose ME!
Dustin
January 24, 2011Noticed the nicknames in your blog posts – very cute! Mad-dawg, love it.
Ben
January 24, 2011She’s a huge dawg fan, what can I say…
Dustin
January 24, 2011Smart girl. :)
Jim F
January 24, 2011We do the same thing with our kids – I called my daughter sparky for a long time because she has red hair – no only her one grandmother calls her that and it drives her crazy. My son and I have crazy names for each other – this name thing seems to be a little different with boys – he calls me weird names and I call him weird names. It is fun.
The spiritual side of this which is great is being called “son” by God.
Good post!
Dustin
January 24, 2011I agree, it’s fun for us as well. :)
Moe
January 24, 2011My son Gabriel, I call Gabe or G-man.
My daughter Angelica, I call Geli.
I want to know what my “white stone” name is. Man I hope is something cool. A little middle eastern, with a little latino and a lot of heavenly… or Dustin will do just fine. :)
“I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” – Revelation 2:17
Donald Borsch Jr.
January 24, 2011Moe,
Ask our Father. I know He has a name for you. He gave the name “Redeemed” to me years ago, and it has kinda stuck with me. Woo-hoo!
Maybe our Father will call you….hmm…so many possibilities, indeed.
Moe
January 24, 2011Does this mean I should refer to you now as redeemed? :)
Donald Borsch Jr.
January 24, 2011Moe,
Call me whatever you wish. Just don’t call me late for dinner. Or worship. (ba-dum-tisch!) Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all week. Try the veal!
Moe
January 24, 2011Why? Pork too “unclean” for you? :D
Dustin
January 24, 2011Moe, I promise: if it is indeed “Dustin”, you will be heavenly. I kid, I kid. :)
Also, love the name “Geli”… that’s awesome.
Moe
January 24, 2011I knew there was some heavenly in you. Every time I visit your blog, there is some gold dust sprinkled all over my keyboard. :D
Dustin
January 24, 2011Ha. Now that made me laugh. :)
Donald Borsch Jr.
January 24, 2011Head! Pants! Now!
Oh, that was a good one. He’s gonna cry himself to sleep tonight on his huge pillow.
(Sorry…couldn’t resist.)
Anyhoos, I call my oldest daughter, 20-months, “Poo-foo”. I gave her this nickname because one day my bride put her into this dress that has an abnormally poofy bottom to it. Hence, poof sprang to mind and I added the ooh after it. Poo-foo.
My newest daughter, a whopping 3-months, I refer to as “Little Miss Farty Fartington”. I don’t think that needs an explanation.
Dustin
January 24, 2011We even used to say it just like that. HEAD! (It’s like an orange on a toothpick!)
By the way, I’m cracking up… love those names.
seekingpastor
January 24, 2011Noelle—Noe, Punkin Head, Babe
Bradley–B-rad,Dude
Jonathan–Jo-jo, Jon-boy, Dude, Homie
Matthew–Baby Matthew, Little Matt, Rusty
Mary Hope–Mary Hop, Hopie, Hoppy, MH, Baby Cakes
And if you want your pro-wrestling nickname, go here: http://www.wrestlingname.com Mine is Mighty Geek. Pretty appropriate.
Dustin
January 24, 2011My wrestling name is: Gentleman Killer …. I like. :)
Those are some serious nicknames. Love them. Did you mean to write, “Punkin”? …because funny enough, we did the same with our oldest. :)
seekingpastor
January 25, 2011Yes–Punkin Head. There is no other way to write it :)
I failed to mention my favorite nickname for all of them– Hey You. This is helpful when you have 5 kids and can’t always quickly remember their names.
Dustin
January 25, 2011lol, that’s awesome. I’m sure I’ll use that soon… :)
kevin
January 24, 2011Oh man. So many things. Dude, bubba, Gabes, Gabe Dayne (his middle name), bear, turdshack (when he’s being difficult), Jabe (pronounced Hah-bay)…Megan’s grandma thought Gabriel was spanish, GDub. I say a lot of weird things, so there’s no telling what I’ll call him at any given time.
Dustin
January 24, 2011Kevin, you had me rolling with ‘turdshack’. Ha!
Jason Vana
January 24, 2011I don’t have kids, so no nicknames that way. But as for me, I need to be reminded that God calls me desired. That can be the hardest thing to believe more with my heart than my head for me.
Dustin
January 24, 2011Desired: that is awesome. Thanks, Jason.
Jason
January 24, 2011My kids are Dale Jacob, most of the time called Dale but I usually call him Dale Jacob. “Buddy” is also a term used often.
Elijah James is Eli. Sometimes Eli, the cuddly guy. Or Eli, the apple of my eye.
Julie is Juju.
As for God’s name for me? As long as it’s not Dorkfish, I’m good. :)
Dustin
January 24, 2011I don’t see any dorkfish around here! :)
Donald Borsch Jr.
January 24, 2011Dorkfish? Hmm. This comment is even funnier when you know the dictionary definition of the word “dork”. Ouch.
Melissa Brotherton
January 25, 2011Jason, I didn’t know you had an Eli. :) Now I like you even more. Swedish Fish, well named children…you’re fantastic!
Dustin
January 25, 2011Swedish Fish = Top 5 of all time
Michelle
January 24, 2011My kids names are Naomi, Michaela and Caleb. We call them No-mee, Nay-nay, Kay-Kay, and Buddy. LOL. If I would have thought this all through, I think I would have not had a child with such similar names — Michaela and Caleb…just too hard and they each think I’m calling them when really I’m calling the other one. Confusion!
Great word. Love it.
Dustin
January 25, 2011Ha, that is funny. :) Thanks for the comment!
V.V. Denman
January 24, 2011Jessica: Jess, Jess-bo-bess
Andrew: Drew, Drewby, Drewby Tooby
Dene: Denie, Dene-O, Green Bean
Jillian: Jilli, Jill, Jilli Vanilli
Janae: Nae-Nae, Nayners
Why did I have so much fun reading other people’s nicknames? Weird. And my pro-wrestling title is “Wicked She.” Also weird.
I think God’s nickname for me right now would be “Clay” because I keep trying to make something of myself. I forget that I’m not the potter.
Dustin
January 24, 2011V.V. – such a great reminder about “Clay”. Its refreshing to know that, in the midst of upbringing/development/dreams, we are not in control.
Some Wise Guy
January 24, 2011Love the topic! Nice post title. :)
My son I use the typical masculine nicknames:
– Sport
– Dude
– Son
– Kiddo
– Stud
– Sir
– Wild man
My little girl is another matter:
– Peaches (no explanation why, but I’ve called her this since birth; it just fit)
– Sweetie
– Princess
– Emz
– M&M (not like the rapper)
– Little one
– Jelly bean
Dustin
January 24, 2011Thanks! I can imagine other people hearing you and saying, “Eminem… really?”. :)
Lizzie
January 24, 2011Just came across your blog for the first time today. I like it!
To answer your question, my family has all kinds of nicknames! It’s very funny to see how people get stuck with all sorts of funny names.
For my ‘lil sis Rachel: Rach, Rachie, Beanie Baby, Skunk Butt (not for the reason you might expect), and Gaga (the name my niece somehow contrived for her when she was just learning to speak.)
For my niece Mackenzie: Kenzie, Kenz, Kenzers, Mack, Macaroni, Macabelly, McFly, Bug.
For me: Lizzie, hehe. (Full name Elizabeth.) Liz (hate that one), Duck-Duck (waddled like a duck when I was little), and Poodle.
Dustin
January 24, 2011Awesome, thanks for stopping by Lizzie! Now I think I can speak for everyone else and say that we are curious about Skunk Butt… :)
Lizzie
January 24, 2011Hehe, well, I wish I had an answer! Unfortunately, there’s not any wicked awesome story attached. My dad coined her with it, and we still don’t know why. Neither does he. I think he meant it in a playful kind of way, since my sister is really onery. He calls my older sister Squidfish. Again, no reason.
So I guess we’ll never know!
Dustin
January 24, 2011Well, if it sticks… it sticks!
Zee
January 24, 2011don’t have my own kiddos yet, but talking about nicknames, the one that i had for most of my life was Warrior Princess. my full name’s Zinaida but no one uses it. Instead, most of the time it’s Zena (which incidentally sounds exactly like Xena)…
in one of the camps, a friend of mine wrote a note in my Bible saying “you’re a mighty Warrior in God’s army and a Princess in His eyes.” that was over 10 years ago, but the thought still lingers.
Dustin
January 24, 2011Thanks for the comment! That is an amazing example of the power that words can have. A simple encouraging sentence still sticks… 10 years later.
Dan Christiansen
January 24, 2011My son’s name is Daniel after me, but we call him by his middle name Parker.
Parker’s nicknames are:
Park – Just a quick way of getting his attention.
Squiggles – this name came about when he was still in the womb. He was all wiggly and squiggly.. :)
Parker probably thinks his name is NO!! because he gets into everything. :)
We have about seven names for our dog too, but that is for another day… :)
Dustin
January 24, 2011And I love that you’ve kept Daniel in the family. Thanks for commenting, Dan!
Terry Valencia
January 24, 2011You forgot Tophers and Tophie-head for Sophie! Hmmm, what did nicknames did we give you… “D”, Dudin (duh-din), Dust…(never Dusty!) and I’m thankful that God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!
Dustin
January 24, 2011Ahh, and my childhood names come out. :) love u mom!
mo
January 24, 2011yeah, we’ve done the same thing with our son, Elias. he’ll be 6 weeks on friday. we’ve tried to stick to his proper name for now, just so he learns it!
Head, pants!
Dustin
January 24, 2011That is awesome-congrats on the newborn. Love the name Elias!
Larry Hehn
January 25, 2011My wrestling name is Rowdy the Baron.
My wife’s wrestling name is Sensual Dutchess.
Our kids:
Stephanie – Steph, Sneff, Heff, Punkin, Pud, Stefferella
Matthew – Matt, Mattman, Matteh, Matthyoom, Matt-you
Zachary – Zach, Zackatolla, Zacky-pants
Jacob – Jake, Corn-on-jah-cob, Weiner, Bud
I must say that “son” means a lot to me too.
Thanks, Dustin!
Dustin
January 25, 2011Larry, those are some epic wrestling names–kind fit together! I’d trademark them if I were you.
Also, thanks for sharing those names-love them!
Mo
January 25, 2011those are incredible wrestling names.
rachelle renee
January 25, 2011My mom’s nickname growing up was Pumpkin. Actually, she didn’t learn that her real name is Dorinda until she started kindgarten. Even though she’s in her 40’s, you know someone means business when they call her Dorinda instead of Pumpkin.
When my brother was born I couldn’t pronounce Joseph, so I’d call him Jofuss. This eventually evolved to Joffy (JOE-fee) and since that’s the only name I’d call him everyone else in our neighborhood, teachers, friends, and family has called him that since.
My nicknames:
my Nanny: Boogs (I have no idea how it came about, it’s hardly used now)
a few close friends, and their kids, refer to me as Mush. People mispronounced my name for Michelle, and somehow ended up to Mushelle… Mush was in jest, but ended up sticking around for years!
Dustin
January 25, 2011rachelle, thanks for commenting!
Jaclyn
November 17, 2016Always a good job right here. Keep rolling on thhguor.
http://www./
December 23, 2016Normally I’m against killing but this article slaughtered my ignorance.
sofortkredit ohne und bonität
February 8, 2017I would be watching Boss if I had Starz. Dish gave us a free year of Starz last year and I watched most of the first season, enjoyed it pretty well. Camelot, not so much. And I never happened to be in the mood to watch Spartacus when it was on.
easy pokemon go hack for android
February 14, 2017Ett roligt exempel jag var med om var när en bekant läste meningen "…lyssnar på Debussy" som att namnet hade ett engelskt uttal (Systemet-IPA: [däBASSi]) istället för det franska uttalet på .
http://www./
February 28, 2017You have the monopoly on useful information-aren’t monopolies illegal? ;)
need best price on auto insuranc Beaumont, TX
May 10, 2017in a paragraph. I still don’t know of anything helpful from AJATT.No, I did not read every article. As somebody new to a site, I’d like to find things relatively easy. And when I do find something, I’d rather not be talked down to. I read probably three or four things before I asked “how is this helping?” and gave up on it.VA:F [1.9.21_1169](from 5 votes)
Bonnie Gray | FaithBarista
January 25, 2011Great encouragement on the names we need to respond to – the ones God gives. I loved naming my kids – one of my fave things about having children. Great to have your visit!
Dustin
January 25, 2011yep, thanks Bonnie for the comment as well!
Melissa Brotherton
January 25, 2011I love me some nicknames!! My husband always laughs at me because I just jumble up words and call people that: Squishy-Nugget-Face, Fluffy-Bologna-Head, etc.
As for formal (heehee) nicknames, here goes:
Elijah: Eli, Lij, and TootieFace
Cora: Cora Lilly (her real middle name is Elyce), Princess Pootie Pants (that’s the most common one), Pootie Pants or Pootie are also popular
Ezra: Ez, Ez Bez, Ez Bez Tos (like, asbestos), Fat Baby (cause he is) and Bubba
Silas: Si Si, Chunkamunka (cause he’s also fluffy)
Don’t get me started on the millions of nicknames my husband and I have for each other. I will share my favorite though. When we were in college I tried to think of the most disgustingly cutsie nickname to call him as a joke: Poopie Bottom. Unfortunately, it stuck. Haha!
I think the name I need to be reminded of the most today is Beloved. I am my beloved’s and He is mine.
Dustin
January 25, 2011Way to go all out with those names. Love it!
Beloved… that is intimate, yet so huge.
kristinherdy
January 25, 2011Amelia: Mia, Mia-bee, Tator (short for Dictator), Captain of the Dork Squad. Amelia Bedelia
Gwendolyn: Wendy, Wendinator, Ty (short for Tyrant), Lieutenant of the Dork Squad, Wendy-Woo, Woo, Bruiser
I’m glad that I get to be called by God, and that he doesn’t just know my given name, but knew who I was before I was ever born.
Dustin
January 25, 2011Kristin, the reasons behind Tator and Ty have my wife and I cracking up right now. That’s awesome.
And, amen to being “called by God” – that makes it even more special and unique.
Pingback: Phil Dunphy, Yo! | AbrahamChronicles.com
Sean Sabourin
February 3, 2011Great post. I loved reading the other comments as well. My wife and I have two kids.
Nola | which means famous one or champion
Memphis | which means beautiful and established
I honestly see and believe my children are living out the reality of their names.
Dustin
February 3, 2011thanks for sharing, sean. you know, honestly, I was thinking about including the meaning of my kids’ names in this post as well. I guess I ended up figuring that could be the subject of a whole different post. :) also, thanks for stopping by!
Sandy Sandmeyer
February 3, 2011Nice! I like the names my Father has for me. They are a whole lot better than the ones I get from outside sources or ones I use for myself.
Dustin
February 3, 2011completely agree! thanks for stopping by and commenting, sandy.
Jen Sessions
February 4, 2011Hey Dustin! Loving your blog it is fresh and honest! Well we have little Harrison whom you have met. We normally will call him Harry and I don’t know how it started but sometimes Harry butt… I try not to use this nick name out in public. He is also called Boo or Pooter.
Keep it up you are doing a great job! Say hey to Jen for me :)
Jen Sessions
Dustin
February 4, 2011Harry Butt… so funny. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it. I’ll let Jen know you said hello!
Peter P
February 11, 2011OK.. you asked:
Rebekah gets called:
Bekah-K
Bekah
Carebear
Teeny-weeny Bekah-cheeny (although not so much now she’s 8)
chonka-beeny
bekah-chi
bonka-chi
honka-chonka
carebear-hunchky-moo
bek bek
sebekah
sister
katherine
klatherine
…and others
Caleb is:
K-leezy
boy
the boy
cheese
cheesy man
cheesy-leesy
chubs
chubby man
chubby checker
cab
cabby
cabby-leb
…and more
Hannah gets called
bo-bee
baby
hannah bo-bannah
hanny
cutie-pie
little one
bobes
sister
sis
Plus they all have their own theme songs!
Dustin
February 12, 2011Those are some pretty sweet nicknames, Peter! Now theme songs, huh? That is a great idea!
Peter P
February 12, 2011We start with the theme songs within days of them being born and we find that they learn pretty quickly that it’s their song and it becomes a good way to calm them down.
Even at 8 years old, our oldest smiles whenever we sing her song.
Dustin
February 12, 2011How awesome is that! We may start with something like that.