In US people like to call each other by their nick names. From the nick names you can guess the full name, but sometimes it is difficult to understand from which name they were derived. I think it will be better off if the Indians also have nick name when working in America. Once I went to a Gym and was getting introduced to the Gym instructor and when I told him my full name, he paused for a minute and asked…."Can I call you Dave?" I agreed and he was happy. Lots of software consultants are from southern India and they have adapted to American ways by having nick names for themselves. The Americans find it difficult to pronounce the Indian names, especially the longer southern Indian names, but I think Indians also make lots of mistakes. One of the common examples is Denise. This is usually girl’s name and should be pronounced as “D-Niece”, but I have seen people pronouncing it as Dennis.
I have compiled a list of some common names and the nick names for them.
Charles Chad
Robert Bob
Williams Bill
Theodore Ted
Michael Mike
David Dave
Thomas Tom
Douglas Doug
Nicholas Nick
Mathew Matt
James Jim
Joshua Josh
Kathreen Kathy