For the record, I have always been known as a ” Joey” for the simple reason that my father chose to be called Joseph rather than his birth name Yusef. I don’t mind the diminutive form of first names but I’ve noticed some people have difficulty using them for adults since they are customarily used for children; ie. Tommy, Timmy, Johnny and Ronny. Have you noticed that female names are less commonly expressed as diminutives?  Antoinette can become a Toni; Veronica can become Roni and Angela can become Angie. But don’t get me started.