Nickname Names For Boys

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…

Baz

Diminutive of Sebastian or Basil; Kurdish

"regal; falcon"

As Bas, it's a popular name in The Netherlands, but Baz, as in director Luhrmann, has potential for independent life too. Curiously, Australian-born Moulin Rouge director Luhrmann was born neither…

Pip

English, diminutive of Philip

"lover of horses"

The original Pip was the main character in Great Expectations (full name Philip Pirrip). Cute for a tike, maybe too cute for an adult.

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…

Cy

Diminutive of Cyrus, Persian

"sun"

This evocative short name is suddenly chic — it was recently chosen by Jennifer Lawrence for her baby boy. JLaw's son's name honors Cy Twombly, the influential mid-century American artist. Born Edwin…

Herbie

Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie…

Pim

Dutch diminutive of Willem or William

"resolute protection"

Short but spirited, Pim is in the Top 200 in The Netherlands, though it is little-known elsewhere. A diminutive of Willem (or William), it possibly emerged via its rhyme with alternative, more direct…

Iggy

Latin, diminutive of Ignatius

"fiery"

Iggy is the quintessential pop star name, though it's the nickname Cate Blanchett uses for son Ignatius. Iggy does bring any grander-sounding name down to earth.

Howie

Diminutive of Howard, English, Germanic, Norse

"high guardian; brave heart"

Old school Howard has fallen out of fashion in recent years, having been a Top 100 choice in the US from the 1880s until the 1960s. Short form Howie, however, might have more potential, with its…

Topher

Diminutive of Christopher

The new kid on the block in terms of Christopher short forms, it was introduced into the mix by actor Topher Grace, who didn't like Chris.

Oz

Hebrew, English, Irish

"strength, powerful, courageous; god's warrior; deer friend"

While some may think of ruby slippers and a yellow brick road, Oz is a legitimate Hebrew name denoting power. An element in a number of names including Ozni, Oziel, and Ozias, it may also be used as…

Auggie

Short form of August and variations

Auggie, a variation of the more common Augie, is an adorable and, at this point, fresher sounding short form than Gus of the rising August and all its variations, from Augustine to Augustus.

Augie

Short form of August and variations

Augie is an adorable and, at this point, fresher sounding short form than Gus of the rising August and all its variations, from Augustine to Augustus. The Adventures of Augie March is a 1953 novel by…

Paddy

Diminutive of Patrick, Irish

"noble, patrician"

Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.

Xan

Diminutive of Alexander

"defending men"

With the plethora of Alexes around, Xan (and Xander) have emerged as hot new nicknames for Alexander. Xan also stands well on its own. It can be found--not surprisingly--in several computer games.

Manny

English, diminutive of Emmanuel

He can get it for you wholesale.

Derry

Diminutive or Derek or Dermot or Irish place-name

"like an oak"

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner. The unusual Irish Derry was given to zero babies of either gender in the US last year, but it's a merry…

Obi

Short form of Obadiah or African, Igbo

"heart"

Strongly linked in the US to the complex "Star Wars" character, Obi Wan Kenobi, but also popular in Nigeria as a short form of names containing the element Obi "heart". Obi can also be a nickname for…

Mick

English, diminutive of Michael

Most often associated with Rolling Stone Jagger, Mick is also used as a generic, and derogatory, term for an Irishman.

Mikey

Diminutive of Michael, Hebrew

"who is like God"

An Old school short form with a certain vintage charm, Mikey might fit in with choices such as Ronnie, Reggie, Monty, and Scottie. Currently in the latter end of the Top 1000 in England and Wales,…