A straightforward question this time (at least, I hope so!):
Although his Christian name was James, he always preferred being known as Alistair.
Although christened James, he always preferred being known as Alistair.
Which of the two is right?
Also, should Christian in the first sentence be capitalised? Am I right to leave the lower-case c in christened in the second sentence?
They're both "right", but I prefer your second example; it's more succinct in that it makes exactly the same point as the first, but in three words less.
"Christian" when used as a noun or adjective should always be capitalised, but the verb "christen" should not be. So, both your examples use the correct spelling.