Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.
My name is Pamela. People call me Pam for short. I like Ella better, but it never stuck as a nickname. I was named after my moms sister who died in a car crash when she was 19. I’m 15 years old and personally, I dont really like my name. It sounds really old lady-ish
I am in the same page, My name is also name Pamela. I mostly hated people calling me ‘Pam’ It kept them reminding them I was ‘The cooking spray’ I always wish that spray was named as something else but Now I appreciate telling my teachers, friend, and Family call me Mela instead of Pam
Why are people refering to Pam as a nickname?!?!?! It is a shortened version of Pamela NOT a nickname. I am Pam ~ through choice ~ I like being Pam. I am not dowdy or any of the other things people have called Pamelas/Pam’s. People are just so rude!!!
I love the name Pamela and never shorten it for myself. If another Pamela shortens hers to Pam, I honor that choice. I don’t think Pamela is too fancy; it’s lovely and is Greek for ‘all honey’ and some of us aren’t suited to it being shortened and some are. I always appreciate people honoring how I call myself and try to always return the respect to them with their own names.
I am a Pamela circa 1994. So I am usually the only one in my schools with the name and I love it. I feel like my name is somewhat unique for girls my age. I am glad to have a unique name because I would hate having 3 or 4 people in the same class with my name. I have been told that Pamela is a perfect fit for my personality. I do agree with the automatically being called Pam. It’s kinda frustrating but I’ve learned to accept it. Pam is a dull nickname, I would much rather be called Pamela or even Mela. But no matter how hard I try to correct someone it never changes. Personally I would name my daughter Pamela. I think it’s a beautiful name and it is truly underappreciated.
I love the name Pamela! So, I named my daughter Pamella. To make it different and her own I added the extra l. She is named after someone dear to my family who passed not that long ago and thought it was fitting.
I personally think that older style names are beautiful. <3
My daughter was born in 2010. One of her Uncles calls her Pamalemella.. Pam-ah-Lem-ella. Which I think is adorable! I don’t like “Pam” or “Pammy” nothing worse!
Well, it’s logical that they wouldn’t want to name their daughter that, since the name won’t be in style again for another 40 years or so. But I bet that your great-granddaughter will be absolutely thrilled to learn that there is a Pamela in her family tree! Then she will be able to say, “Yes, we named her Pamela. We thought it was very elegant and beautiful?! I know it’s a bit popular for baby girls these days, but it’s a family name for us.”
My name is Pamela, and I’ve always hated it and wondered what in the world my mother was thinking. I don’t look or feel like a Pamela. It means sweet as honey, and I am sour as a pickle. My daughters say they like it but wouldn’t name their own children that. Smart girls.
I do see what you mean about others not ALLOWING you to go by Pamela. Of course, I do get my share of this, but I have a feeling that it is no where near the level of what you have gone through.
It may have something to do with the fact that I’m not in a stage in my life where I meet a lot of new people. I don’t have kids in school, or work with customers every day. I also don’t have a lot of telemarketers call, because I only have a cell phone. I don’t communicate through email either; my friends just find me on facebook!
Do you think it’s possible that our age difference could also have something to do with why they insist on calling you Pam more than me? What I mean is… for example, if I met a 50 year old man named Robert, I would think there is a great chance he goes by the nickname Bob (although, given my experiences with my own name I would NEVER just start calling him that… I would ask him what he prefers to be called). But these days Bob is less fashionable, so if I met a little boy named Robert, I would assume he goes by Robert or Robbie (or maybe even Rock).
It could also have something to do with the age of the people you most come in contact with. If you go to your friend’s birthday party, and it is filled with people your own age, the people there are the same people who grew up when Pam was more fashionable. So they would be more likely to assume that you think Pam is more fashionable as well. Most people around my age (and especially those younger than myself) don’t particularly like Pam, so they wouldn’t just use it, unless it is requested.
I live in Texas. I’m not sure if it would make a huge difference to be just a few states over from California (although I’m quite aware of many differences between the TX and CA). But I DO see how it would make a difference in Europe! They do seem to prefer more elegant names (for the most part). There is also the visibility of Lady Pamela Hicks (Prince Philip’s cousin), whom I would bet NEVER went by “Lady Pam”! Haha.
Oh I just thought of one thing that seems to have helped deter the nickname Pam. (Maybe it could help you?) I have realized that most people tend to go for a nickname as a term of endearment, rather than simply regarding it as a time saver. So I’ve (somewhat subconsciously) formulated a system for drawing out nicknames other than Pam from my friends. What I do is create a unique nickname for each new friend, which is a play off of their name, and they usually have done the same for me. Each of my friends calls me something different. Some examples are Pameswa, Pamamela, Pamelam, pamEElah, Panama, Manamana, Pamcakes, and Pamda Bear (<– my favorite one). Despite the fact that some of them are plays on the nickname Pam, I love every one of them, because they each represent a special friendship. When they are tempted to call me a nickname, they subconsciously go right for the more personalized nickname that is just kind of an inside joke between that person and myself, rather than even considering the generic Pam, which they know I don't even like. Does that make sense? You should try this!
On a different note, did you ever see that episode of "I Love Lucy", where Lucy writes a play about a Cuban tobacco picker, with Ricky in mind for the lead role, then he refuses to play it, so they change it to a British theme and ask Fred to play the role? In the British version of the play, Lucy's character's name is Pamela! I guess that was the most British sounding name they could think of at the time. Haha. (Lady Pamela was around 23 years old at that time.) Anyway, Ethel says in her best British accent, "Oh, here comes my daughter Pamela." I just LOVE the way she says it! I tried to find the clip on YouTube, but it's not on there. Anyway, I'm sure you've seen it.
What do you think about these theories, my friend?
The problem is other’s inability for me to “come around to having the name.” Pamela IS my name. But even many people who normally call me Pamela slip up and call me Pam. With strangers, it doesn’t matter whether I am introduced as Pamela or somebody sees it written, they invariable call me Pam. Even if I persist in referring to myself as Pamela when signing an email or telephoning and saying, “Hi, this is Pamela,” they will respond with Pam. If I go to a doctor’s office, they will call me Pam. I am NOT Pam. Ironically, people say I don’t even look like a Pam.
How frequently do you correct people? I would have to do so on a daily basis…and in some situations it risks embarrassing the other person (they may deserve it, but sometimes it is not to your benefit to risk doing so.) The name does have a lovely meaning and it is attractive, but I can’t get overcome the Pam part. BTW: I’m older than you…so I’ve been fighting this for a long time! 😉
I’m wondering where you live, and if that makes a difference? I found that when I lived in Europe, Pamela was not a problem. It was not even as much of a problem in some areas of the U.S., but it absolutely is a problem in California!
I correct people if they shorten my name; I introduce myself as I am and if they say ‘Pam’ I let them know right away that “I don’t use that shortening” and usually it makes a smile.
If I’m comfortable being called Pamela and don’t feel the need to explain (which is huge) then I find others automatically accept that. Even some diehard name changers no longer do that with me now. It’s all in being comfortable BEING who I am and that is Pamela and never, ever Pam as well as no longer associating with people too rude and disrespectful to use my name properly.
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My name is Pamela. People call me Pam for short. I like Ella better, but it never stuck as a nickname. I was named after my moms sister who died in a car crash when she was 19. I’m 15 years old and personally, I dont really like my name. It sounds really old lady-ish
You will grow into the name. I did not like it but now I love it.
I am in the same page, My name is also name Pamela. I mostly hated people calling me ‘Pam’ It kept them reminding them I was ‘The cooking spray’ I always wish that spray was named as something else but Now I appreciate telling my teachers, friend, and Family call me Mela instead of Pam
Why are people refering to Pam as a nickname?!?!?! It is a shortened version of Pamela NOT a nickname. I am Pam ~ through choice ~ I like being Pam. I am not dowdy or any of the other things people have called Pamelas/Pam’s. People are just so rude!!!
I love the name Pamela and never shorten it for myself. If another Pamela shortens hers to Pam, I honor that choice. I don’t think Pamela is too fancy; it’s lovely and is Greek for ‘all honey’ and some of us aren’t suited to it being shortened and some are. I always appreciate people honoring how I call myself and try to always return the respect to them with their own names.
I am a Pamela circa 1994. So I am usually the only one in my schools with the name and I love it. I feel like my name is somewhat unique for girls my age. I am glad to have a unique name because I would hate having 3 or 4 people in the same class with my name. I have been told that Pamela is a perfect fit for my personality. I do agree with the automatically being called Pam. It’s kinda frustrating but I’ve learned to accept it. Pam is a dull nickname, I would much rather be called Pamela or even Mela. But no matter how hard I try to correct someone it never changes. Personally I would name my daughter Pamela. I think it’s a beautiful name and it is truly underappreciated.
I love the name Pamela! So, I named my daughter Pamella. To make it different and her own I added the extra l. She is named after someone dear to my family who passed not that long ago and thought it was fitting.
I personally think that older style names are beautiful. <3
If we had a boy his name would have been Vincent.
My daughter was born in 2010. One of her Uncles calls her Pamalemella.. Pam-ah-Lem-ella. Which I think is adorable! I don’t like “Pam” or “Pammy” nothing worse!
Well, it’s logical that they wouldn’t want to name their daughter that, since the name won’t be in style again for another 40 years or so. But I bet that your great-granddaughter will be absolutely thrilled to learn that there is a Pamela in her family tree! Then she will be able to say, “Yes, we named her Pamela. We thought it was very elegant and beautiful?! I know it’s a bit popular for baby girls these days, but it’s a family name for us.”
My name is Pamela, and I’ve always hated it and wondered what in the world my mother was thinking. I don’t look or feel like a Pamela. It means sweet as honey, and I am sour as a pickle. My daughters say they like it but wouldn’t name their own children that. Smart girls.
Greetings Pamela,
I do see what you mean about others not ALLOWING you to go by Pamela. Of course, I do get my share of this, but I have a feeling that it is no where near the level of what you have gone through.
It may have something to do with the fact that I’m not in a stage in my life where I meet a lot of new people. I don’t have kids in school, or work with customers every day. I also don’t have a lot of telemarketers call, because I only have a cell phone. I don’t communicate through email either; my friends just find me on facebook!
Do you think it’s possible that our age difference could also have something to do with why they insist on calling you Pam more than me? What I mean is… for example, if I met a 50 year old man named Robert, I would think there is a great chance he goes by the nickname Bob (although, given my experiences with my own name I would NEVER just start calling him that… I would ask him what he prefers to be called). But these days Bob is less fashionable, so if I met a little boy named Robert, I would assume he goes by Robert or Robbie (or maybe even Rock).
It could also have something to do with the age of the people you most come in contact with. If you go to your friend’s birthday party, and it is filled with people your own age, the people there are the same people who grew up when Pam was more fashionable. So they would be more likely to assume that you think Pam is more fashionable as well. Most people around my age (and especially those younger than myself) don’t particularly like Pam, so they wouldn’t just use it, unless it is requested.
I live in Texas. I’m not sure if it would make a huge difference to be just a few states over from California (although I’m quite aware of many differences between the TX and CA). But I DO see how it would make a difference in Europe! They do seem to prefer more elegant names (for the most part). There is also the visibility of Lady Pamela Hicks (Prince Philip’s cousin), whom I would bet NEVER went by “Lady Pam”! Haha.
Oh I just thought of one thing that seems to have helped deter the nickname Pam. (Maybe it could help you?) I have realized that most people tend to go for a nickname as a term of endearment, rather than simply regarding it as a time saver. So I’ve (somewhat subconsciously) formulated a system for drawing out nicknames other than Pam from my friends. What I do is create a unique nickname for each new friend, which is a play off of their name, and they usually have done the same for me. Each of my friends calls me something different. Some examples are Pameswa, Pamamela, Pamelam, pamEElah, Panama, Manamana, Pamcakes, and Pamda Bear (<– my favorite one). Despite the fact that some of them are plays on the nickname Pam, I love every one of them, because they each represent a special friendship. When they are tempted to call me a nickname, they subconsciously go right for the more personalized nickname that is just kind of an inside joke between that person and myself, rather than even considering the generic Pam, which they know I don't even like. Does that make sense? You should try this!
On a different note, did you ever see that episode of "I Love Lucy", where Lucy writes a play about a Cuban tobacco picker, with Ricky in mind for the lead role, then he refuses to play it, so they change it to a British theme and ask Fred to play the role? In the British version of the play, Lucy's character's name is Pamela! I guess that was the most British sounding name they could think of at the time. Haha. (Lady Pamela was around 23 years old at that time.) Anyway, Ethel says in her best British accent, "Oh, here comes my daughter Pamela." I just LOVE the way she says it! I tried to find the clip on YouTube, but it's not on there. Anyway, I'm sure you've seen it.
What do you think about these theories, my friend?
Hi PamelaSusan,
The problem is other’s inability for me to “come around to having the name.” Pamela IS my name. But even many people who normally call me Pamela slip up and call me Pam. With strangers, it doesn’t matter whether I am introduced as Pamela or somebody sees it written, they invariable call me Pam. Even if I persist in referring to myself as Pamela when signing an email or telephoning and saying, “Hi, this is Pamela,” they will respond with Pam. If I go to a doctor’s office, they will call me Pam. I am NOT Pam. Ironically, people say I don’t even look like a Pam.
How frequently do you correct people? I would have to do so on a daily basis…and in some situations it risks embarrassing the other person (they may deserve it, but sometimes it is not to your benefit to risk doing so.) The name does have a lovely meaning and it is attractive, but I can’t get overcome the Pam part. BTW: I’m older than you…so I’ve been fighting this for a long time! 😉
I’m wondering where you live, and if that makes a difference? I found that when I lived in Europe, Pamela was not a problem. It was not even as much of a problem in some areas of the U.S., but it absolutely is a problem in California!
I correct people if they shorten my name; I introduce myself as I am and if they say ‘Pam’ I let them know right away that “I don’t use that shortening” and usually it makes a smile.
If I’m comfortable being called Pamela and don’t feel the need to explain (which is huge) then I find others automatically accept that. Even some diehard name changers no longer do that with me now. It’s all in being comfortable BEING who I am and that is Pamela and never, ever Pam as well as no longer associating with people too rude and disrespectful to use my name properly.