Moving to a new university, should I start using a nickname as a professor?

Hi everyone,

I’m a university professor, and I’d love some outside perspective on something a bit awkward.

My name is beautiful in my native language, but in English it lands badly and is very easy to joke about. I’ve never actually had negative experiences with colleagues or students, but I’m always aware of the potential. Now that I’m moving to a new university, I’m thinking about using a nickname.

Here’s the issue: I’m a woman, and I’d prefer something with the letter P in it. But I’m not sure how appropriate it is for a professor to use a nickname professionally. And on top of that can you even choose a nickname that isn’t connected to your actual name? Or does that just feel too random in an academic setting?

Changing my name again doesn’t feel right, since I already changed it once before moving to an English-speaking country, and in my language it really is a lovely name.

So I’d love to hear your thoughts: • Is it odd for a professor to go by a nickname? • Does a nickname have to come from your real name? • And if not, what P-based nicknames do you suggest?

I’m not sharing my real name, so please don’t ask!

Thanks in advance for any insight!