The name that appears on your sponsored child’s profile is known as their ’preferred’ name. In most cases, the preferred name is simply their first name, but some children are known by nicknames that their family and friends have given them. Some of those nicknames can be unusual to our eyes—but that’s the name by which they’re known!

If you’re uncertain about your sponsored child's preferred name, we encourage you to ask them what the significance of their name might be next time you write. There might be an interesting story behind it!

Find out more:

• How can I find out information about my sponsored child?

• Write a letter to your sponsored child