Is Preferred Name A Nickname?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A preferred name (sometimes known as a chosen name, a nickname, or a name-in-use) is

the use of a name, usually a first name

, that is different from a person's legal name. There are many reasons why someone may use a preferred name.

What do they mean by preferred name?

A preferred/chosen name is

any name a chooses to use other than their legal name

. For example, a student may wish to shorten their first name (e.g. Steven to Steve) or to be referred to by their middle name or a nickname.

What is legal name and preferred name?

Definitions. Legal name: The name as it appears on a legal document such as a Social Security card or other document in which a legal name change is recorded (e.g. court order). Preferred name:

The name a person wishes to be known and have appear in the University systems

.

What should I put for preferred name?

Provide your preferred nickname in place of your legal name.

If you always go by your nickname, it's perfectly acceptable to list it rather than the name you were given at birth. For instance, you can put down “

Brad

” instead of “Bradley,” or use “Lucy” instead of “Lucinda.”

Is preferred name legal?

Preferred First Name: A preferred first name or used name is

not a legal first name

, but is generally used to change the manner in which others refer to the individual.

Why are preferred names important?

Why Are Preferred Names Important? Calling a person by his or her preferred name shows respect. Using students' preferred names contributes to the University's goal of providing an empowering, safe and nondiscriminatory educational and work environment. Names are

extremely important parts of a person's identity

.

Can you use a different name without legally changing it?

In California

you can legally change your gender with or without a name change

. In this case, you do not need a court order unless you want one.

What defines my legal name?

A legal name is

the name that identifies a person for legal, administrative and other official purposes

. … A person's legal name typically is the same as their personal name, comprising a given name and a family name. The order varies according to culture and country.

Can I put a nickname on my resume?

Is it Okay to Use Your Nickname on Your Resume? …

Nicknames are perfectly acceptable to put on a resume as long as they aren't too informal

. Using “Dan” as the shortened version of “Daniel” is just fine, but shortening “Benjamin” into “Jamster” is not (even if, God forbid, that's what you like to be called).

Can I go by a different name at work?

In short,

you can use your chosen or preferred name throughout your job search

, as long as you provide your legal name when it comes time for a background check. (If you don't provide current or prior legal names at that point, it can be seen as lying on the application, and grounds for firing.)

Can I use my preferred name on my resume?

A resume is not a legal document, so

it is acceptable to use your preferred name on the resume

. Both transgender and cisgender individuals handle this by listing a first initial, followed by their preferred name; others identify their preferred name in quotes, e.g: K.

Where can you use a preferred name?

  • CatCard (optional)
  • Online Phonebook Directory*
  • Official Student Email Display Name.
  • Official Employee Email Display Name.
  • UAccess Class and Grade Rosters (for students and employees taking courses)
  • D2L/Blackboard.

Can my name be my pronoun?

While from a strictly English Language Arts perspective, the current rules of grammar would mean that

using a name is not a pronoun

, as it takes the place of a noun, does not mean one need use pronouns. That means that using the phrase, “please don't use a pronoun for me” or “use my name instead of/in lieu of/etc.

What do you call a name?

The entity identified by a name is called

its referent

. … The name of a specific entity is sometimes called a proper name (although that term has a philosophical meaning as well) and is, when consisting of only one word, a proper noun. Other nouns are sometimes called “common names” or (obsolete) “general names”.

Can I just go by a different name?

Most states allow

you to legally change your name simply through usage

. You can choose a name and just start using it in social settings and in your business. This can be a completely legal name change.

Can I use my old name after name change?

Yes, if you have changed your name in the past, and you want to revert to the original name on your birth certificate, you

will need a deed poll to prove

it.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.