Nicknames that have become great first names for babies
Australians are renowned for shortening every word possible and names are no exception. We say roo instead of kangaroo, biccie instead of biscuit and arvo instead of afternoon, so why wouldn’t William become Bill and Edward become Ted?
A whole host of traditional names have almost become superseded by shorter versions, as more and more nicknames seem to be carrying through to adulthood, leaving their longer counterparts to languish unused on birth certificates.
With some nicknames becoming so ingrained in our vernacular, it makes perfect sense many of us are cutting to the chase when it comes to naming our babies.
Inspired by this current baby name trend, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites to give you a taste of which popular traditional names are being overtaken by their nicknames.
Boy
Traditional
- Archer
- Alexander
- Jackson
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Charles
- Francis
- Ezekiel
- Nathan
- Leonardo
Nickname
- Archie
- Alex
- Jax
- Ollie
- Theo
- Charlie
- Frankie
- Zeke
- Nate
- Leo
And boys are not alone in the adoption of nicknames as full first names, there are plenty of female monikers doing it too.
Girl
Traditional
- Nicole
- Alexandria
- Abigail
- Isabella
- Evelyn
- Francine
- Julie
- Katherine
- Elizabeth
- Lilian
Nickname
- Nikki
- Alex
- Abby
- Bella
- Evie
- Frankie
- Jules
- Kate
- Libby
- Lil
If nicknames just aren’t for you, why not check out baby names using the most overlooked letters of the alphabet?