Vintage Nicknames for Boys

Gord

Gord is a masculine name primarily used as a short form of Gordon. It originates from Scottish roots where Gordon was initially a surname derived from a place name, meaning 'great hill' or 'round…

Seb

Egyptian

"God of the earth"

This name, more recognized as a short form of Sebastian, is perfectly usable a cool full name, and, in fact, ranks on the UK popularity list. Seb is getting lot of attention as the nickname name of…

Si

Diminutive of Simon, Hebrew

"the listener"

Si is an intriguing antique nickname for Simon and Silas, and we’ve also heard it as a short form of names that contain the "sigh" sound, like Josiah and Osiris. It’s too slight to stand solo on the…

Coz

Diminutive of Cosmo

"world"

A cool sounding nickname with associations to Bill Cosby.

Sim

Scottish diminutive of Simon

"the listener"

The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.

Cuddy

Diminutive of Cuthbert

"famous, brilliant"

Cuthbert is unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, so Cuddy too may be lost to history.

Curley

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,'…

Finney

Diminutive of Phineas, English

"the Nubian"

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

Fate

Short form of Lafayette, French, English word name

"faith; predestined, destiny, chance"

Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word…

Elzie

Diminutive of Eliezer, Hebrew

"God helps"

The male nickname Elzie originated as a short form of Eliezer. Neither are coming back into fashion anytime soon.

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 .

Dunn

Scottish

"brown"

Efficient feel.

Dock

English word name

"enclosed area of water in a port for ships to load and unload"

A sailing and sea-related choice, which also feels connected to the reparative powers of nature (via dock leaves) and to doctors generally, Dock made the Top 1000 in the first half of the 20th…

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…

Dobbin

Diminutive of Robert, English from German

"bright fame"

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.

Vic

Diminutive of Victor, Latin

"conqueror"

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

Dob

Diminutive of Robert, English

"bright fame"

Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.

Ving

Diminutive of Irving

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