Vintage Nicknames for Boys

An exceedingly friendly every-guy nickname that could rise alongside the likes of Ike, Sid, and Ned.

So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.

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

A nickname for Malcolm that at one point ranked independently on the US Top 1000. It still exists as an affectionate pet form, but you’re unlikely to hear a Malcolm introduce himself as Mal.

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 form of Oliver.

More of an abbreviation than a short form that can stand on its own.

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

This is a Scottish pet form of John, the equivalent of Jack in England. Has long been used as a generic name for a Scotsman, here it's a generic name for a--well--jock.

Seems destined to be the preferred short form of this old French name, with its brief, modern, word name feel.

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

Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for revival.

Whether it's an Asian surname-name or short for Channing, has a sound and feel that's both simple and stand-out.

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

A bit too cunning.

Mose is the German variation of Moses, a widely familiar name thanks to the character in the Old Testament. Mose is also used a nickname for Moses.

Streamlined form eases pronunciation and spelling, but somehow adds a weighty element to this British favorite. It became familiar in the U.S. via musician Gram Parsons.

Soft and mellifluous nature-surname name, situated miles away from the dated Marshall.

A forgotten nickname for Columbus, which itself is becoming ever rarer. Radio comedy program Lum and Abner, which ran for over two decades beginning in 1931, featured a character named Columbus "Lum" Edwards.

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.