What is a preferred/chosen name? A preferred/chosen name is any name a student 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 does a preferred name mean?

A: A Preferred Name is a name a student wishes to be known by in the University community that is different from a student's Legal Name. It is not meant to be used to record a nickname (e.g. Jimmy for James). ... Surnames can be changed only with a legal name change.

Is a preferred name a nickname?

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.