This morning, I was having a chat with a couple of younger colleagues. In the course of our discussions, the name – Dicky – of an associate in Singapore came up. I casually mentioned that his name was, in all likelihood, Richard and Dicky was his nickname. My comely comrades were totally floored – they just didn’t know that Dick was short for Richard. I mentioned Bob and Robert – bewilderment. Jim and James – ditto!
So for Indian folks not in the know, a shortened form of a word or name is called hypocorism. It is a nickname, pet name, or term of endearment.
Those who are unaware of the nicknames for common English names, here’s a guide (names of gents, followed by the names of ladies):
Name Nickname/s |
Albert Al |
Andrew Andy |
Anthony Tony |
Arthur Art |
Charles Charlie, Chuck |
Christopher Chris |
Daniel Dan, Danny |
Donald Don |
Edward Ed, Eddie |
Eugene Gene |
Francis Frank, Fran |
Frederick Fred, Freddy |
Henry Hank |
Irving Irv |
James Jim, Jimmy |
Joseph Joe |
John Jack, Jacky |
Lawrence Larry |
Leonard Leo |
Nathan Nat, Nate |
Nicholas Nick |
Patrick Pat |
Peter Pete |
Raymond Ray |
Richard Dick, Rick |
Robert Bob, Bobby, Rob |
Ronald Ron, Ronny |
Russell Russ |
Samuel Sam, Sammy |
Stephen Steve |
Stuart Stu |
Theodore Ted, Teddy |
Thomas Tom, Thom, Tommy |
Timothy Tim, Timmy |
Walter Walt, Wally |
William Bill, Billy, Will, Willy |
Amanda Mandy |
Catherine Cathy, Cath |
Christine Chris, Chrissy |
Cynthia Cindy, Cynth |
Deborah Deb, Debbie |
Elizabeth Betty, Beth, Liz, Bess |
Florence Flo |
Frances Fran, Francie |
Janet Jan |
Katherine Kathy, Kate |
Janice Jan |
Nancy Nan |
Pamela Pam |
Patricia Pat |
Roberta Bobbie |
Sophia Sophie |
Susan Sue, Suzie |
Teresa Terry |
Valerie Val |
Veronica Ronnie |
Yvonne Vonna |
However, do note that in some cases, what appears to be a pet name could be the actual given name. So while Bill Clinton is William Jefferson Clinton and Jim Carrey is James Eugene Carrey, Jack Dorsey (co-founder of Twitter) is NOT John Dorsey. His given name was Jack.
Visual Courtesy:https://www.flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey/