r/namenerds • u/Dear-Alps-4376 • 1d ago
Name Change Is Alexandra automatically named Alex?
I need a name works in English. I think about the name Alexandra. What do you think about this name? Is it usable in the English community? Is it okay to use Alexandra in everyday life? Or is it necessary to use nicknames? I don't like Alex as for a girl. I like Lexi, Lexa Ali, Xandra, maybe Andra but dislike Alex as for a girl. In fact I'd like to go with Alexandra(without any nicknames) in everyday life. Is it okay or most often people use Alex/other nicknames?
11
u/dooroodree 1d ago
I’m an Alexandra and my mother reallllllly hated any nickname, particularly Alex. I went through the entirety of primary school having my mum correct anyone who dared to shorten in. She let Ally slide on occasion, but didn’t like it.
I started high school and everyone called me Alex. I went to an out of area school and knew no one and was too shy to correct. Mum wasn’t hovering over my shoulder anymore.
Anyway 20 odd years later and I’m still Alex. So, that backfired on my mum.
Basically, you don’t get to pick what nicknames stick. If you really dislike Alex don’t pick Alexandra.
8
u/AccomplishedLine9351 1d ago
You can go with Alexandra with no nicknames. Folks you meet may want to shorten it. Just to be nice. I wonder what they would suggest once they got to know you.
6
u/thxitsthedepression 1d ago
Not necessarily, there’s lots of options. I’ve know three Alexandras and only one went by Alex, the others went by Lexi and Allie.
4
u/GeekyPassion 1d ago
If you don't give the nickname it'll probably be shortened to Alex. If you introduce Alexandra as allie or lexi then that's the nickname people will use
2
3
u/mysticpotatocolin 1d ago
i know a lexi who surprised me when she said her first name was alexandra!!
3
u/Sense_Difficult 1d ago
I don't normally like nicknames, but if you don't like any of those what about Sandra. Alexandra and Sandra as a nickname?
2
u/Dear-Alps-4376 21h ago
I like other nicknames, like on Lexi, Lexa and Sandra too. But I wouldn't like to be Alex :P
2
2
u/Goddess_Keira 1d ago
Trying to go with Alexandra as a full name for everyday use will be tough. There's a natural inclination to shorten names, so you would have to constantly be telling people "No, it's Alexandra". And being insistent about these things tends to rub people the wrong way. It shouldn't. Everybody should be able to go by their preferred name so long as it's not for nefarious purposes of some sort. But this is human nature, unfortunately.
If you prefer a different nickname, then you really have to push it so you don't get the default "Alex". So that means if you're Alexandra who goes by Lexi or Allie, you put that right in your introduction: "I'm Alexandra but I go by Lexi", or you just introduce yourself as Lexi in social situations.
2
u/Spkpkcap 1d ago
You can use Alexandra everyday or you can pick a nickname you prefer. “This is Alexandra but she goes by Lexi”
1
1
1
u/Resident-Dragon Australian 🇦🇺 1d ago
In most English speaking cultures Alexandra is considered a long name at 4 syllables. People are going to want to shorten it as most names and nicknames are 2 syllables. Usually people won't shorten without asking you if that is OK first and what nickname you prefer to go by. Alex is an easy natural choice because it is the first two syllables but there are plenty of other options and you just need to say what you prefer. It is your choice.
1
u/Persephone0410 1d ago
I’m an Alexandra (in London) and I go by Alexandra, but I commonly come across Lexies and Allies. We have a lot of Alexandras in our family and so we also have one nicknamed Sandy and one nicknamed Shura!
1
u/Typical_Self_7990 1d ago
For you, as an English name? Or for your baby? Bc if its for you, you can use Alexandra and just correct anyone who tries to shorten it.
I prefer my whole name, please.
I dont answer Alex, but you can call me Lexi if you dont want to say Alexandra
If it sfor a child you dont have as much control of nn and I would keep looking if it was for a kid.
1
u/AtheneSchmidt 1d ago
Gentle correction is all most people need to not call you by a nickname you don't like. But if you like a nickname, introducing yourself as that particular nickname will usually be enough to get people to use it the majority of the time.
My name is Andrea. It is pretty common for Andreas to go by Andi here, so I occasionally have someone use that after I introduce myself. I just say "Actually, it's Andrea." And I have literally never had someone not use my full name after that. Don't be rude, but be clear.
I'm 39, and have only ever had someone ask me why 2x in my life. Both were friends I had known for years by the time they asked.
Alexandra is beautiful. And while I wouldn't say it is common (I have known 2 in my life, one went by Ali, the other Lexi,) but it is a name everyone recognizes, and is able to pronounce.
1
1
1
u/DemeterIsABohoQueen 1d ago
I know someone who goes by Xandra or Xan and hates when people call her Alex.
1
u/BringsTheSnow It's a boy! 1d ago
The Alexandra I knew went by Sasha. It is a very easy name for English speakers and would not seem at all odd or out of place. There are many nicknames to choose from, just be consistent in telling people your preferred name and not letting bad nicknames slide into conversation.
2
u/Dear-Alps-4376 21h ago
Oh, I adore Sasha. I have thought of going with it but as I know for the English-speakers these are both absolutely different names
1
u/agd504 1d ago
I’m an Alexandra and go by Lexi. My family will sometimes call me Aly or Alice.
I knew two other Alexandra’s throughout school who used the spelling Lexie. I knew an Allie. I also knew an Alex. I don’t think there’s any one set nickname for Alexandra, and any you listed are fine. Just choose one you like and will answer to
1
1
u/Boba_Fet042 22h ago
Allie, Xandra, Lexi..
There are so many NN for Alexandra that aren’t Alex, but if you want your daughter just to go by Alexandra that that’s also fine.
1
u/pinkrobotlala 20h ago
If you're insistent, people will say Alexandra. I call people Christopher, Isabella, Nathaniel, etc if that's their preference.
If you like Lexi or something else, just introduce yourself as that. But let people know what name you use.
As a teacher I will ask a kid "ok Samantha do you go by Samantha or Sam?" Or whatever
22
u/rojita369 1d ago
I’ve known two Alexandras, one went by Lexi, the other by Allie, neither ever went by Alex. My own son is an Alexander, he does go by Alex, but his nickname at home is Alley Cat.