Short form of First Name, Middle Name

Question

Hi,

I've got a couple of questions about First Name & Middle Name used in the US/UK. Let me take the full name "William Robert Smith" (where I understand that William is the First Name, Robert is the Middle Name & Smith is the last name) as an example:-

1. I know that "Bill" is the short form of "William". So, can I call him "Bill" instead of "William"?

2. I know that "Bob" is the short form of "Robert". So, can I call him "Bob" instead of "Robert"?

3. I learnt from prior discussions in this forum that the Middle Name doesn't mean much to a person. So, is it unnatural to call him "Robert"?

4. For another man, say, who's called "Bill Rogan". Can I call him "William"?

I'd appreciate it if you someone could help with the above.

Thanks.

Kathy

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

All of those are possibilities, but you have missed the main point: call a person by the name he prefers. If you don't know, ask him.

A: How do you do? My name is Bill Smith.
B: Nice to meet you, Bill!

C: Hello. Are you William Smith?
D: Yes, I am– but please call me 'Bill'

F: I see here that your name is William Robert Smith. What do you like folks to call you?
G: Well my friends call me 'Bubba', but I usually go by 'Robert', my middle name.
F: OK, Robert– let's start the interview with a few questions about your education....

Kathy456 · Answer

Hi Mister Micawber,

Thanks very much for your reply & advice.

Kathy

Short form of First Name, Middle Name

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬