Vintage Nicknames for Boys

Jody

Variation or diminutive of Joseph

"Jehovah increases"

Quintessentially sweet and innocent unisex name of the 1960s and 70s, now gone the way of hot pants and disco balls.

Jonty

Diminutive of Jonathan

"gift of Jehovah"

Jaunty, to say the least, Jonty might be an option if Johnny feels too old school. It has been noticed most often on the playing fields, as in U.K. rugby player Jonty Parkin (born Jonathan) and South…

Joss

Diminutive of Jocelyn or Joseph, German

"member of the Gauts tribe; Jehovah increases"

Succinct and to the point, Joss may appeal to those who enjoy the likes of Jude, Jesse, Jem, and Ozzy. Brought into the spotlight by Joss Whedon , creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Angel and…

Jules

French form of Julius, Latin

"youthful; soft, downy; sky father"

Though Jules hasn't been on the US popularity list in fifty years, it remains a hit in its native France where it's currently in the Top 10 — and has been in the Top 500 nearly every year since the…

Kiah

Short form of Hezekiah, Hebrew

"God gives strength"

Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.

Kiah

Short form of Hezekiah, Hebrew

"God gives strength"

Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.

Kit

English, diminutive of Christopher

"bearer of Christ"

Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones , has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor…

Lafe

Variation of Leif, Diminutive of Lafayette, Scandinavian, French

"heir, descendant; faith"

In the 18th century, Lafe was the common short form of the French surname name Lafayette. A notable bearer was Lafe McKee, who acted in over 400 films during the first half of the 19th century.…

Larkin

Irish

"rough, fierce"

The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name, borne by poet Philip Larkin.

Larry

Diminutive of Lawrence, English from Latin

"from Laurentium or bay laurel"

Your friendly next-door neighbor...not your baby. Although Larry was once one of the most popular boys' names starting with L , that title now belongs to Liam.

Laurie

English diminutive of Laurence

"from Laurentum or bay laurel"

A sweet and sophisticated nickname which feels fresh again after many years in style limbo. For literature lovers, it brings to mind Theodore "Laurie" Laurence from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women .…

Lauro

Diminutive of Laurence

A heck of a lot cooler than Larry.

Leno

Diminutive of Leonard

"lion"

Better than Lenny, not as good as Leo, and tightly tied to Tonight Show host Jay Leno.

Les

Les is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and a familiar shortening of longer names like Lester, Leslie, or Leszek. Compact and straightforward, it carries a no-nonsense…

Lige

Diminutive of Elijah, Hebrew

"Yahweh is God"

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah. Lige Conley, born Elijah Crommie, was an American silent film…

Llelo

Diminutive of Llewelyn, Welsh

"lion"

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

Llew

Welsh

"lion, leader"

Welsh for "lion", or a nickname for Llewelyn. Could make a cooler substitute for the blander Lou.

Lon

Diminutive of Alonzo

"noble, ready"

For older generations this still summons silent horror star Chaney; for others it's a pleasant if slight nickname name.

Lonnie

Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, variations of Alphonso

"noble, ready"

Lonnie is one of those antiquated nicknames that is used much more often in the US than you might think, especially as a short form of Alonso or Alonzo, names always on the US Top 1000.

Lonzo

Diminutive of Alonzo

"noble, ready"

Adds some dash and substance to Lon.