What's in a Name?

Isn't it funny how parents spend countless hours debating over what to name their child? After all, this is the label by which they will be recognized for their entire lives. It is a huge decision and a hefty responsibility. We discuss and debate and practice how the name options will sound. Finally, we settle on a name, only to end up calling the child by some random nickname half the time anyways.
Case in point: We named our son a name that lit up my husband's face every time he practiced saying it. Yet, more often than not, we call him Toad, Skeezix, Mortimer (pronounced "mo-tee-mo"), Lethargic Larry, Gomer, Bodey Bode, Bud Bud...and for the appropriate occasions, Fussbutt, Crankypants, Stinkpot and Naked Baby. Of course, there are times when we call him by his given name, or by the adoring monikers Precious Baby, Sweet Boy or Little Guy.
As I look at the list of names we call him, I realize that they aren't particularly flattering. Think about it. What connotations do people have when they hear the names Skeezix, Gomer and Mortimer? They probably aren't conjuring up images of a beautiful, blue-eyed, melt-your-heart-with-his-smile, lovable, giggly baby boy. In fact, I actually think of old crotchety men when I think of those names. To think that we put so much thought and consideration into picking "just the right name" only to end up calling him by everything but that name makes me wonder...What are we setting him up for!?!?! Yikes. Hopefully, we aren't causing irreparable damage to his little psyche.
I remember being called Shrimp, Squirt, Shorty, Rosebud and Pumpkin. I hated some of those names (thanks a lot, bro!). Yet, I am able to look back and laugh at them, now. So, what's in a name, after all?