Vintage Nicknames for Boys

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

A thoroughly old-school nickname for Ambrose — one that lightens up the serious full form.

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.

Much more modern than Marty and rhyming with the stylish short name Hart, could Mart show success as an independent baby name? Perhaps that’s too much to ask, but we do like it as a nickname for Martin.

Why did 5 sets of parents chose to name their sons Dock in 2016? We may never know.

A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.

Surname from a landscape feature, associated with author Gore Vidal and Bill Clinton's Vice President Al Gore. Its alternative meaning - as in gory - may explain why it's never made it into the charts.

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.

An old-timey nickname for Derrick that has since been forgotten.

Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.

Once upon a time, Lye was used as a nickname for Elijah. These days it feels too deceitful — try Eli as a nickname, or if you prefer something truly vintage, Lige.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

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

Short form of Harvey, variation of Harve.

Ossie is best-known as the name of actor Ossie Davis, whose full name did not start with Os: It was Raiford. But Ossie makes a cute contemporary short form for any name beginning with Os.

Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.

Simple short form of Tobias that feels more distinctly masculine than Toby.