Calling a kid by his middle name?

Question

What do you think of people who call their kids by their middle name?
My son's name is Elijah Ryan, but we call him Ryan. Do you think People think that I'm loopy?

Answer 1

I know a ton of people like this. For the most part, when I run into it, it's because the child prefers his or her middle name, and therefore goes by it. Although for the first child my husband and I had, I agreed that he could pick her first name, and I'd pick the middle name. Then I constantly called her by her middle name, until it became pretty much like a new first name, she even goes by it in school. You know what, people probably think I'm loopy, I just pretend it's not really a bad thing!

Answer 2

This is actually fairly common; however, I don't get it in some cases. Now, I know some people name their son's after their fathers and refer to them as the middle name so that there is no confusion. What I don't understand is why some people pick out a name and plan on calling them by their middle names. I have never understood why you wouldn't just name them the middle name you pick. I'm not putting people down for this, I just don't understand it. One other thing I think is weird is naming them something and calling them from the middle name AND shortening it. For example, my friend named her son Shane Alexander. And not only does she call him by the middle name, she shortens it...and she doesn't shorten it to Alex, but to Xander. I just thought that was weird.

But again, I'm NOT putting people down on that. I just don't understand. However, to answer your question, yes...it's HIGHLY common. I'm not sure where you're from, but if it's from the US, I HIGHLY doubt anyone will think you're "loopy" since it's such a common practice. I'm sure almost everyone you come across will be familiar with this.

Answer 3

For the longest time, I hated my middle name, because it always seemed when I was in trouble, my mom would call me by my middle name. So I grew to hate it. I like it now though. I don't think you are loopy, some parents do that, but not sure of his age, and how or if he will get confused or not on what his first name is. Or if he wants to go by that name or his first? It's up to you, but I call my son by his first name only.

Answer 4

As a teacher, it drives me crazy. Not only do I have to try to learn 150 new names each year, but I'm also expected to remember to use a middle name versus a first name of certain students. When I finally do get used to using a student's middle name, I get confused when someone from the office calls to see this person and uses his or her first name. I don't think parents who do this are loopy - I just wish they had written the name they call their child as the child's first name since it can be confusing.

Answer 5

I think he has a lovely name, first and middle, and you should call him whatever you like. I once dated a Sammuel Ryan who went by Ryan. He was a wonderful guy, by the way. You're not loopy!

Answer 6

I think alot of people do this

I go by my middle name and I get tired of having to sign my first one on legal documents when I don't on others.

When people call me by my first name I don't respond because I don't realize they are talking to me.

People for jobs call for me on the phone by my first name, my brother answered the phone forgot that my name was Michelle and said there was no Michelle there.
It just gets tiring
Also people ask me what you don't like Michelle.
YOur not loopy, It's not bad just a pain sometimes.
Elijah Ryan is beautiful.

Answer 7

I am a middle name child and all my life I had to tell every teacher, doctor's office, hospital that I go by my middle name. It's not a bad thing it just drives me crazy when it comes to how everything nowadays goes by your first name. And no your not loopy.

Answer 8

It's pretty common to do these days, so people probably don't think you're loopy at all, but personally I hate it. If you're going to call a kid something, name him that. Just my opinion.

Answer 9

I know this couple who named their daughter Precious Chance and understandably they call her Chance. Elijah Ryan is really cute. Call him what you want. You don't sound loopy to me.
I had friend once; her real name was Linda Louise and she always went by Toni; her sister Lila Marie always went by Tina.

Answer 10

I go by my middle name and I know a few others who do. The only trouble I have had is when I got married and tried to drop my first name instead of my middle or maiden names. (The Dept of Motor Vehicles didn't like that!) But then with a boy, your son won't have that worry!