How can William be Bill and Robert be Bob?

[TransAm]

Mojo, I don't think their is any logic behind it, just personal preference. Also, William can also be shortened to 'Will' and Robert to 'Rob' as well as Bill or Bob.

Bill and Bob tend to be more popular with older people in the UK, younger guys are more likely to use Will or Rob. This isn't the case so much in the US.

There is a Billybob Thornton here (maybe a US country singer?) just to confuse the issue further! Maybe his name is William Robert Thornton?

Even more confusing, I think 'Jack' is a short form/alternative to 'John' but it has just as many letters!!

One thing I have noticed which is quite common in the USA but not so common in the UK (although I know of a couple of UK examples) is that people will often use their middle name to be called by.

I.e. I work with a guy called Mitch, but his initials are J.M.R - His 'proper' first name is John I think!

[antonioledesma]

it's a strange thing...
I'm called Antonio and my nick is Toño (more less pronounced Tonio)
Adolfo is shortened as Fito, because of adolfito, a way to say "small adolfo"

Francisco is shortened as Paco or Pancho, but this last one is more often used in rural places

Gabriel has Gabo, and Gabriela (female form) has Gaby

Luis has Güicho, something like wichou

Alfonso has Poncho

Jose (Joseph in english) has Pepe
Leopoldo has Polo
and many more!


lets say there's no rule, but nicknames change around time

because .

[ZfrkS62]

There is a Billybob Thornton here (maybe a US country singer?)

Go rent Bad Santa from Blockbuster

[CSedl87]

and the most confusing of all: Dick is short for Richard.

[batgirl]

"arse" is a good name for some people.

[antonioledesma]

So Tommi is a "normal" name, I thought that tommi makkinen was Thomas makkinen

and what the hell is batgirl doing here???

[TransAm]

Originally Posted by batgirl "arse" is a good name for some people.

What, like Penguins, Riddlers and Jokers?