Vintage Nicknames for Boys

Stan

Short form of Stanley

"near the stony meadow"

One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.

Tad

Diminutive of Thaddeus, Aramaic

"gift of God"

An approachable mini name that could go on the birth certificate, but may work best as a nickname. Full name options include Thaddeus, Theodore, and Thomas, which was the given name of Abe's son Tad…

Thad

Short form of Thaddeus or variation of Tad

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.

Tiah

Diminutive of Azariah, Hebrew

"helped by God"

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.

Tobe

Diminutive of Tobias, Hebrew

"God is good"

Simple short form of Tobias that feels more distinctly masculine than Toby. Tobe makes a great middle name — horror film director Tobe Hooper was actually born William Tobe Hooper.

Tolly

Diminutive of Tolliver or Bartholomew

Tolly is an antique short form that is not only jolly but makes Bartholomew usable in the modern world, when Bart is too Simpsonesque. For the adventurous nicknamer, Tolly might even be a novel short…

Vern

Diminutive of Vernon, English

"place of alders"

Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.

Vic

Diminutive of Victor, Latin

"conqueror"

This short form of classic Victor is popular in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Vin

Diminutive of Vincent, Latin

"conquering"

Minimalist nickname via XXX star Diesel (born Mark Vincent).

Ving

Diminutive of Irving

Actor Rhames's imaginative shortening of the prosaic Irving, giving it new life and energy.

Wally

English, diminutive of Walter or Wallace

A Leave It to Beaver/old comic-strip name, vacationing for years with the Griswolds in WallyWorld, but now back as WALL-E?

Walt

German, diminutive of Walter

A straightforward, down-to-earth nickname many Walters, from Whitman to Disney, have chosen to go by.

Wills

Diminutive of William

"resolute protector"

The cute short form gained prominence when it was used for young Prince William of England.

Zeb

Diminutive of Zebediah or Zebulon, Hebrew

"gift of God, exaltation, or little dwelling"

Short and to-the-point, it turns an ancient biblical name into a friendly cowboy.

Sid

Short form of Sidney, French

"Saint-Denis"

Sid originated as a nickname for Sidney, but we like it on its own, a la Sara Quin's and Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen's sons. Sid Vicious, member of the band the Sex Pistols, gives this name a punk…

Albie

Diminutive of Albert or Albus, English, Germanic, Latin

"noble and bright; white, bright light"

Gentle and friendly, but also full of energy and spark, Albie is a bubbly diminutive, usually of Albert, but also of Alban, Albus, Albie has become a big favorite in England and Wales in recent…

Alvie

English

"noble friend; friend of the elves"

Archie, Albie, and Alfie are coming back into style, so naturally, we think Alvie could be next. Alternate spelling Alvy was used by Woody Allen for his character in Annie Hall .

Alvy

Diminutive of Alvin, English

"noble friend; friend of the elves"

Alvie is the spelling parents tend to prefer, and may rise along with Archie, Alfie, and Albie. The Alvy variation is strongly associated with Alvy Singer, Woody Allen's character in Annie Hall .

Art

Diminutive of Arthur

"noble one; bear man"

Though short and brisk, no nickname name could have a more creative image. Comic actor Chris O'Dowd named his son Art, as in his native Ireland it's used as a name on its own, separate from Arthur.,…

Artie

Diminutive of Arthur, Celtic

"bear"

Artie is a cute short form rarely given on its own, unlike the more grownup Art. But for a young Arthur, it's adorable.