What is your nickname: How Hyderabadis feel about ghar ka naam

Hyderabad: Chintu, Nani, Chinna, Kanna, Ammu----Did you know these are the most popular nicknames used in Hyderabad?

Many families go by a nickname rather than their given name. Names vary from region to region. Surprisingly, over 96% of Indians have used a nickname at some point in their lives.

Snapchat, the visual messaging app for friends and family in their new research in partnership with YouGov on Indian nickname culture, uncovered a national fascination with nicknames.

In India, nicknames go beyond mere labels and play a significant role in defining individual identities. Often known as pet names, ghar ka naam, or daak naam – nicknames are etched deep within our cultural fabric.

Some of the most popular nicknames in the country are found to be Sonu, Babu, Macha, Shona, and Pinky.

Nicknames are easier to remember

The survey revealed that the majority of Indian Gen Zs and young millennials love to use their nicknames online. Besides keeping names snappy, the reasons for this are to seem cool, to safeguard their privacy, and because nicknames can be easier to remember.

Nicknames create a distinct sense of belonging. 61% mentioned that they go by a different name at home and almost 60% have experienced situations where people remembered their nickname and not their actual name.

The survey found that nicknames are the heart and soul of a person's identity and signify the strongest connections.

Nicknames- a matter of pride

During the research, more than half of the respondents said that they have had three or more nicknames at some stage in their lives. Contrary to popular belief, nicknames are also a matter of pride.

Only 15% say they are embarrassed to use their nicknames publicly.

Nicknames build deeper connections

Nicknames in India are found to build deeper connections and validate relationships. About 67% of Indians revealed that they use nicknames to feel closer to someone.

This reiterates the emotional connection and cultural attachment associated with the concept of nicknaming in India.

Among the people who have ever had a nickname, 60% confirm that they received their nicknames during childhood or their school days.

Surprisingly, the nickname that the person had before school is the one that most still goes with.

Customise 'My nickname'

Making it even more interesting, Snapchat has now created 'My Nickname Lenses' for people to flaunt their nicknames.

This study also inspired two new Nickname-themed Augmented Reality (AR) Lens on Snapchat - 'India's Top Nicknames' and 'My Nickname'.

This first interactive AR Lens called 'India's Top Nicknames' includes five bespoke designs featuring India's favorite nicknames. Not only that, for the first time Indians can customize the 'My Nickname' lens to create their very own nickname.

From Guddu, Sunny, and Tinku, Angel to Baby, the new custom nickname AR experience has been purpose-built by Snapchat to allow users to celebrate their nicknames proudly and share them with their loved ones.

According to Kanishk Khanna, Director Media Partnerships - APAC, Snap Inc, "We wanted to share some fun findings on Indian nicknames, from the weird and wacky to the oddball, romantic and downright hilarious. This custom nickname AR experience will help bring users closer to their inner circle and enable the fun and joy of sharing nicknames."

The two 'Nickname Lenses' are available on Snapchat in India from June 21.

How to use

-Install Snapchat, available on the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices, if you haven't already.

-Login to the Snapchat app.

-Once on the camera screen, search for 'IN's Top Nicknames' and 'My Nickname IN' in the lens carousel and point your phone to your face.

-When you find a nickname lens you want to try, tap on it to select it. The lens preview will appear on your screen.

-Once the lens is activated, you can start using it by taking a photo or recording a video.

-After capturing a photo or video, you can share it with your friends on Snapchat, save it to your device's gallery, or add it to your Snapchat story.