Vintage Nicknames for Boys

Efficient feel.

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.

Many emotional, virtuous word names are coming back into style, but Happy feels unlikely to be revived. This could be because it doesn't have a solid history of being popularly used (in comparison to Joy) and because it's such a familiarly used word in day to day life (unlike Valor).

Diehard World War II buffs may be interested in this name as a reference to American combat medic Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to be awarded the metal of honor. But it carries a host of negative connotations in the U.K., especially in Scotland, related to laziness and the shirking of work.

A nickname that sounds like a nickname.

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.

Appealing short form of the stuffy Cleveland, occasionally used on its own.

Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.

Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to bear. But antique nickname Bat might work better. Might.

Adds some dash and substance to Lon.

A bit too cunning.

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

As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.

Back in the day, Con was a nickname for Cornelius and Conrad. Today it feels like a pet form of Connor.

Old-man name, soft as a fraying gray cashmere cardigan, that would be even cuter for a girl.

Retro nickname for Charles that has the potential for revival, a la Hal, Ike, and Gus.

Welsh for "lion", or a nickname for Llewelyn. Could make a cooler substitute for the blander Lou.

Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.