title: “Nicknames” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-15” author: “Robert Moore”
These simplified names, called “nursery” or “pet” names, were originally limited to use in the home or among very close friends, as they weren’t considered appropriate forms of address for proper men and ladies. However, some became so popular that they began to be accepted as first names in their own right during the eighteenth century. The following is a selection of some popular names from that period and the pet names that were derived from them that have since gained acceptance as given names:
Women Abigail: Abby, Gail, Gale, Gayle Ann: Annie, Nancy Belinda: Linda Cassandra: Cass, Sandy Elizabeth: Bess, Beth, Betsy, Bette, Betty, Elisa, Elise, Lisa, Liza Faith: Fay, Faye Helen: Ella, Nell, Nelly Judith: Jody, Judy Katherine (or Catherine): Kathy, Kay, Kitty, Katie Sarah: Sadie, Sally, Sari Susanna: Sue, Susan, Susie, Suzy Theresa: Tracy
Men Alexander: Al, Alec, Alex, Sandy Alfred: Alf, Alfie, Fred James: Jamie, Jimmy John: Jack, Jock, Johnny Michael: Mick, Mickey, Mitch Nicholas: Nick, Colin Richard: Dick, Rick, Rich Robert: Rob, Bobby, Robin William: Bill, Billy, Will, Willy
From: Leslie Alan Dunkling, First Names First (Universe Books, 1977). Pet names such as Nancy, Sally, Hal, and Robin have gained such wide acceptance as first names in their own right that we often don’t realize that they were derived from older, more traditional names. Other pet names are still largely relegated to that category alone, although some are gaining in popularity for other reasons. Katie, a diminutive of Katherine, is currently fairly high on the popularity lists, largely due to the immense popularity of former Today show host Katie Couric; so, too, is the pet name favored by her co-host, Matt Lauer. In any case, we’re far beyond the days when parish priests would automatically enter Ann, Sarah, and Elizabeth as the proper names for the Nancys, Sallys, and Betsys presented to them for baptism. If you like the name Katie, you don’t have to name your baby girl Katherine to get there. Several ethnic groups are very fond of pet names, and you’ll see these derivative names used among these people more than others. Hispanics will often create pet names by attaching a diminutive ending to a popular name, like Carmelita, Pepita, and Juanita. The Japanese are also fond of creating names in this fashion.
