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What are some common nicknames for names in your country?
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this post was submitted on 15 Jan 2026
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The UK had a history of rhyming nicknames for shortened versions, like William -> Will -> Bill, and most of those are still common in English speaking countries. Richard -> Dick, Robert -> Bob (also Hob, Dob and Nob but these didn't survive).
These shortened versions can then get extended: Edward -> Ed -> Ted -> Teddy, Margaret -> Meg -> Peg -> Peggy, Anne -> Nan -> Nancy
In the middle ages it was common to make a diminutive name by adding -kin, -in, or -cock, which gave us John -> Jankin/Jenkin -> Jakin -> Jack. Also, Robert -> Robin, Henry -> Hank
Peggy being short for Margaret always confused me growing up so when I learned about how that happened I was genuinely fascinated.
So that's how you really get Dick from Richard. TIL
Some nicknames converge from different starting points, too. Teddy is also short for Theodore, etc.