Nicknames are tres chic these days, which is why it makes sense to search for new old sources for fresh examples. Here, choices from a long list of vintage nicknames from 18th and 19th century America from the Connecticut State Library.
Not only are some of the proper names used in Colonial and Victorian times now rarely heard, but the nicknames may be antiquated too.
I've left off the predictable choices like Rob for Robert or Jack for John. What's here are either surprising combinations or short forms for still-used names that are in danger of becoming obscure.
Here, some vintage nicknames that will distinguish you from the Jakes, Charlies and Wills currently heard in every pediatrician's office.
Nickname / Proper Names
Augie / August
Bat / Bartholomew
Bige / Abijah
Cager / Micajah
Chan / Chauncey
Con / Cornelius
Cuddy / Cuthbert
Cy / Cyrus (okay, this one isn't so weird, I just really like it)
Dirch / Derrick
Dob, Dobbin / Robert
Eben / Ebenezer
Fanny / Nathaniel (don't you dare)
Fate, Fayette / Lafayette
Finney / Phineas
Hal / Harold, Henry (Another Favorite)
Ham / Hamilton
Hank / Henry
Hy / Hiram
Ike / Isaac
Kiah / Hezekiah
Kit / Christopher
Lig, Lige, Lije / Elijah
Mal / Malachi, Malcolm
Ned / Edward, Edwin
Obed / Obediah
Ollie / Oliver
Paddy / Patrick
Riah Or Rye/ Zachariah
Sandy / Alexander
Si / Josiah, Cyrus
Tad / Thaddeus
Tiah / Azariah
Theo / Theophilus
Nameberry is a baby-naming site produced by Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz, co-authors of 10 bestselling baby name guides, including the newest, "Beyond Ave and Aiden: The Enlightened Guide to Naming Your Baby."
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.