Vintage Nicknames for Boys

Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to bear. But antique nickname Bat might work better. Might.

Ossie is best-known as the name of actor Ossie Davis, whose full name did not start with Os: It was Raiford. But Ossie makes a cute contemporary short form for any name beginning with Os.

Diehard World War II buffs may be interested in this name as a reference to American combat medic Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to be awarded the metal of honor. But it carries a host of negative connotations in the U.K., especially in Scotland, related to laziness and the shirking of work.

In the 18th century, Tiah was seen as a nickname for the biblical name Azariah. Nowadays it's used a variation of the feminine names Thea and Tia.

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah.

More of an abbreviation than a short form that can stand on its own.

These days Finney is most likely a pet form of Finn, but it was once a standard nickname for the biblical Phineas.

So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.

Curley is a masculine name that originated as a nickname or surname before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. It derives from the Middle English word 'crul' meaning 'curly,' historically given to someone with curly hair. The name gained some recognition through various notable figures, including Curley Johnson (NFL punter) and James Michael Curley (Boston mayor and Massachusetts governor). It has a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of vintage charm. As a first name, Curley remains uncommon, appearing more frequently as a surname or nickname. The name carries associations with a cheerful, affable personality and has connections to Irish-American communities. Curley might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive, informal-sounding name with a warm, personable character.

Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.

Dickie is traditionally a masculine name functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive of Richard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave power.' While sometimes used as a standalone name, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, Dickie is more commonly encountered as a nickname. The name carries a vintage quality, evoking mid-century Americana and British culture where such familiar forms were more commonly formalized. Notable bearers include various athletes and entertainers who preferred this friendly variation. Though its popularity as a formal name has declined in recent decades due to potential teasing concerns and changing naming trends, Dickie remains part of naming heritage particularly in English-speaking countries, representing an era when casual, approachable name forms were embraced.

Benjie is a masculine name functioning as an affectionate diminutive of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew origin meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' This friendly, approachable nickname has a casual charm that makes it popular in informal settings, though some bearers adopt it as their formal name as well. Particularly common in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom, Benjie has a warm, unpretentious quality that conveys boyish likeability. While it doesn't typically rank on most popular name charts as a given name, Benjie remains a steadfast nickname choice for Benjamins seeking a more playful alternative to Ben or Benji (with an 'i' ending).

Appealing short form of the stuffy Cleveland, occasionally used on its own.

Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for revival.

Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.

Old-man name, soft as a fraying gray cashmere cardigan, that would be even cuter for a girl.

Surname from a landscape feature, associated with author Gore Vidal and Bill Clinton's Vice President Al Gore. Its alternative meaning - as in gory - may explain why it's never made it into the charts.

A striking, one-of-a-kind name that mimics Leo's best qualities — including the leonine meaning.

Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse.