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2024 Week 21: Nicknames #52Ancestorsin52Weeks

My mum's name was Helen, but for as long as I can remember my dad called her Nellie and as a child, my dad and I used to sing 'Nellie the elephant' together, in a nice way, not unkindly.  My dad's brother George also addressed her as Nellie and, although we never called her that when talking to her, both my husband Martin and I referred (and still refer to her) as Nellie.  

But not everyone called her that. Her brother and sisters called her Ellen. Her friends used her 'real' name Helen.

My dad's name was John. You wouldn't think there was much that anyone could do to change that, but his sister in law, George's wife, Margaret always called him Jake. And she also called her husband, George, Mac!

John (Jake), Helen ( Nellie, Ellen) George (Mac) and Margaret.

My paternal grandmother's name was Christina and virtually all of her children who had children themselves named a daughter Christina. I had 4 cousins christened Christina, all of whom ended up being called Chrissie. My dad seemingly insisted I be called Christine and never called Chrissie. One of those Christina cousins is still alive and well and she told me she hated being called Chrissie and that I should call her Chris.

I know these are not really nicknames in the real sense of the word, but it is interesting how others change the names we have been given. I can hold up my hand and say I too am very guilty of this - our daughter's name is Caitlin, but we have always called her Katie! 


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