They say that there’s nothing more beautiful to a person than the sound of his or her name. While most of us have nicknames, they kind of grow stale as we grow older. Nicknames are often given to us as children, but some people have their childhood nicknames stuck to them like they had those names forever. A childhood nickname might be adorable and nostalgic, but you certainly don’t want to go through life named after one of Snow White’s seven dwarfs. As an adult, you need to be taken more seriously than remain a dopey, sneezy, bashful, sleepy, happy, grumpy Doc.

A nickname may seem to be convenient, but it doesn’t work out well for business, formal meetings, or for family gatherings where you want to be respected as an adult. Here are some ways that you can get rid of a nickname.

Nicknames are (Often) Inconvenient

The first thing you should remember about nicknames is that while they seem to be convenient, they are rather confusing. Companies and schools often use computerized systems to keep records of employees and students, and a nickname often makes it confusing for administrators to keep track of persons.

It’s far more convenient if you use your given name or your first name as a nickname. Some people think that having more than one nickname makes them cool. While having a nickname for separate occasions and different places may seem cool, it’s very inconvenient for others to keep track of how many nicknames you have.

Stop Using It

Nicknames often confuse people you meet for the first time. If you have more than one nickname, people may find themselves confused with what name to call you. It’s much better for you to go by your own given name. If your given name is too long or is difficult to pronounce, use a convenient but professional-sounding nickname.

If you don’t like your nickname at all, then you shouldn’t use it. Make people know that while you do have a nickname, you prefer to be addressed through your real name. Here are some situations when you could stop using your nickname:

• During company gatherings and activities where someone distributes name tags, write down your given name. If someone does it for you, insist that he or she write down your real name instead of your nickname.

• Introduce yourself with your given name. Don’t give the person a hint that you used to have a nickname.

• Conduct yourself professionally. Be genial and magnanimous whenever you meet strangers. People will take you seriously and will have more initiative to use your given name if you act grown-up.

• During family reunions, insist that you be called by your given name. Some of your relatives may think that you’re getting a bit too pig-headed or too good for a childhood nickname. Explain that you’re too old for the nickname you used as a kid, and that you prefer being called by your given name. After all, your parents gave you your given name way before they gave you a nickname.

• When you print out your business or personal calling cards, use your full given name. A formal item like a business card should not have your nickname on it.

Stop Using Other People’s Nicknames

Most people find that they’re more comfortable going by their given names than by their nickname. If you’re irritated by your nickname, chances are that other people feel the same way. You should treat others the way you want to be treated, even if it’s something as simple as what you call them. If you don’t want other people to call you by your nickname, then you should not call others the same way.

Calling a person by his or her real name is a respectful way to address them. If you call other people by their given name, they will have more incentive and more initiative to call you by your real name. Whether it’s a formal meeting or an informal gathering, try your best to remember and use given names instead of nicknames. A person will tell you beforehand, anyway, whether you can call him or her through a given name or a nickname.

Stay Away from Offensive Nicknames

Some nicknames are offensive. While some people find a name like “Stinky” or “Bull-Nerd” funny, people who have these nicknames feel genuinely offended and hurt by these nicknames. Here’s another reason why you should use given names more often than nicknames: most people get their nicknames not from their parents or from well-meaning people, but from bullies and people who have nothing better to do than to brand people.

Put yourself in the shoes of a person with an offensive nickname. If you find yourself insulted going through life with that person’s nickname, then you should take the extra effort to call that person by his or her real name. He or she deserves to be treated with recognition and respect, just like everyone else.

If You Must Use A Nickname…

Sometimes you or other people may find your given name to be a mouthful, and you may need to use a nickname. Nicknames may be needed by people with unusual, long, or exotic first names. If you must use a nickname, here are some tips to make your nickname effective and useful:

• Shorten your given name. If you must use a nickname, use one that’s sounds similar to your given name, or is derived from your given name. As much as possible, make your nickname relevant to your name. If your name is “Maximilian,” then a nickname like “Max” would do. If your name is “Samantha,” then a good nickname is “Sam.”

• Make it useful. It’s tempting to have a hip, trendy, or cool-sounding nickname, but remember that you will have to use your nickname during meetings, formal gatherings, and other occasions. You need to make sure your nickname is useful and something you’re comfortable with.

• Make your nickname optional. Some companies and businesses frown upon the use of nicknames, especially for formal occasions. You still need to give your given name, although you should only give out your nickname if someone asks for it. Most people are more comfortable using given names than nicknames.

• The nickname should fit the purpose. If you do have to use a nickname, make sure that it doesn’t sound too obnoxious, stand-offish or playful.

Use Terms of Endearment Properly

Nicknames also include terms of endearment, or that special name you call your significant other. While it’s very cute and romantic to have a special name to call your special someone, it sometimes comes across as inappropriate. The good news is that you don’t have to get rid of the relationship to get rid of the nickname. If you’re in public spaces like malls, train stations, or the subway, it’s best to call each other by your first names. It also comes across as very romantic; people find their names very meaningful, and using your significant other’s real name is one true sign of love and affection.

There’s something about a nickname that’s useful, but to some people, there are things about it that are irritating and childish. Say your given name loud, and say it proud. Revel in your uniqueness, and get rid of that nickname you had since you were a kid. Rather than be a dopey, sneezy, bashful, sleepy, happy, grumpy Doc, you can start really making a name for yourself when you go by your given name.