British Nickname Generator

British short forms, pet names and regional endearments

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British nicknames as people say them, each with the name or region behind it: Del (Derek), Bex (Rebecca), Aggers (Agnew), Tug (Wilson), Trev (Trevor) and Mags (Margaret), plus terms of address such as Duck, Hen, Pet and Our Kid.

About this generator

British nicknames run on a few well-worn habits. First names are clipped to a syllable, so Terry is Tel, Derek is Del and Rebecca is Bex, and a name with an r in the middle often swaps it for a z: Gary becomes Gaz or Gazza, Sharon becomes Shaz. Surnames take a -y or an -o (Smithy, Robbo) or the old public-school -ers, which turns Agnew into Aggers. The armed services add a tradition of their own, in which a surname arrives with its nickname attached: a Wilson is Tug, a Bell is Dinger and a Miller is Dusty.

Another part of the list is what people call each other when no name is needed, and that changes with the map. Duck belongs to the East Midlands, Pet to the North East, Hen to Scotland, Bab to Birmingham and Butt to the South Wales valleys, so each term of address carries its region in parentheses.

All 1,000 entries show their source the same way. Alongside the modern forms you will find Scots ones such as Shug, Rab and Eck, Welsh ones such as Dai, Ianto and Twm, bynames on the pattern of Jones the Milk, older pet forms like Bertie and Queenie, and medieval ones like Hob and Hodge that survive in surnames.

Tips for choosing a name

  • Look for your own name or surname in the parentheses first. If it is missing, apply the pattern: clip to one syllable, try -z or -zza where there is an r, and give a surname -y, -o or -ers.
  • Check the region before you put a term of address in a character's mouth. Duck in Nottingham, Pet in Newcastle and Hen in Glasgow sound right; swap them round and a local reader will notice.
  • A nickname is given, not chosen. A recruit called Wilson does not pick Tug, and a new starter does not decide to be Smithy: let someone else hand the name out.
  • Match the form to the period. Bertie, Algy, Queenie and Flossie suit a story set in the first half of the twentieth century, while Bex, Hazza and Gazza belong to recent decades.
  • Ironic names such as Lofty for a short man only work with affection. Use one where the person wearing it would laugh too.

Frequently asked questions

What are some typical British nicknames?

The best known are the clipped first names and their -zza forms: Tel (Terry or Terence), Del (Derek), Trev (Trevor), Gazza (Gary or Gareth) and Shazza (Sharon). Surname forms such as Smithy (Smith) and Aggers (Agnew) are just as common, and so are regional terms of address like Duck, Pet and Hen, which need no name at all.

How do I work out the British nickname for my name?

Search the parentheses for your first name or surname. If it is not there, follow the usual routes: shorten the name to one syllable, swap a middle r for z or zza (Jeremy to Jez or Jezza), or add -y, -o or -ers to a surname (Coxy, Robbo, Tuffers). Many people answer to two or three of these at once.

Why is anyone called Wilson nicknamed Tug?

It is one of the inherited nicknames of the British armed services, where certain surnames have carried a fixed nickname for generations. Some explain themselves, such as Dusty (Miller or Rhodes) and Chalky (White). Others, Tug (Wilson) and Pincher (Martin) among them, go back to stories that are now half forgotten, so this page lists the pairing and leaves the origin alone.

Can I call anyone Duck, Hen or Pet?

Locals do, and the label after each entry says where. Duck is said to anyone in the East Midlands, Pet to anyone in the North East, and Hen to a woman in Scotland. Outside its home region a term can sound put on, so in writing give it to a character who comes from the right place.

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All 1,000 names

This is the complete list the generator above draws its random batches from, sorted A to Z and grouped by first letter.

Plain text, one name per line.

A: 25 names

  • Abs (Abigail)
  • Adcock (Adam, a medieval form)
  • Addie (Adelaide)
  • Adj (Army, the adjutant)
  • Aggers (Agnew)
  • Aggie (Agnes)
  • Ailie (Alison, Scots)
  • Albie (Albert)
  • Alec (Alexander)
  • Algy (Algernon)
  • Ali (Alistair or Alison)
  • Alick (Alexander, Scots)

A, continued

  • Allie (Alice or Alison)
  • Ally (Alistair or Alexander, Scotland)
  • Andra (Andrew, Scots)
  • Angie (Angus, Highland Scots)
  • Annie (Ann or Anne)
  • Annot (Ann or Agnes, a medieval form)
  • Ant (Anthony)
  • Archie (Archibald)
  • Arl Fella (Liverpool, a father)
  • Ash (Ashley or Ashok)
  • Athers (Atherton)
  • Atkin (Adam, the root of the surname Atkins)
  • Auntie (an aunt, or any friend of the family)

B: 89 names

  • Bab (Birmingham and the Black Country, said to anyone)
  • Babbie (Barbara, Scots)
  • Babby (Black Country, to a child)
  • Babe (a partner or a close friend)
  • Babs (Barbara)
  • Bach (Wales, little one, said to a man or boy)
  • Bairn (Scotland and North East England, a child)
  • Bal (Balvinder or Baljit)
  • Bampi (South Wales, grandfather)
  • Bamps (South Wales, a grandfather)
  • Barney (Barnaby or Bernard)
  • Bartle (Bartholomew, a medieval form)
  • Barty (Bartholomew)
  • Bas (Basil)

B, continued

  • Bate (Bartholomew, a medieval form)
  • Batt (Bartholomew, a medieval form)
  • Baz (Barry)
  • Bazza (Barry)
  • Bea (Beatrice)
  • Beattie (Beatrice)
  • Becca (Rebecca)
  • Bedo (Maredudd, Wales)
  • Bee (Beatrice or Bethany)
  • Begw (Megan, Welsh)
  • Bella (Isabella, Scotland)
  • Ben (Benjamin)
  • Benjy (Benjamin)
  • Bertie (Albert, Herbert or Bertram)
  • Bess (Elizabeth)

B, continued

  • Bessie (Elizabeth)
  • Bet (Elizabeth)
  • Beth (Bethany or Elizabeth)
  • Bethan (Elizabeth, Wales)
  • Beti (Elizabeth, Welsh)
  • Bets (Betty or Elizabeth)
  • Betsan (Elizabeth, Welsh)
  • Betsi (Elizabeth, Welsh)
  • Better Half (a husband or wife, said in fun)
  • Betty (Elizabeth)
  • Bex (Rebecca)
  • Biddy (Bridget)
  • Bidie-in (North East Scots, a live-in partner)
  • Big Man (Glasgow, a friendly greeting to any man)
  • Big Un (the eldest child)

B, continued

  • Big Yin (Scotland, the big one)
  • Bill (William)
  • Bish (the services, the chaplain)
  • Blanco (White)
  • Blod (Blodwen, Welsh)
  • Blodyn (Welsh for flower, a term of affection)
  • Blondie (the fair-haired one)
  • Blossom (a term of affection)
  • Blud (London, a close friend)
  • Bodger (Lees)
  • Boffin (the one who knows science)
  • Bogey (Knight)
  • Bonny Lad (North East England, a term of address)
  • Bonny Lass (North East England and Scotland)
  • Bootneck (a Royal Marine, said of themselves)

B, continued

  • Bopa (South Wales valleys, an aunt or an older neighbour)
  • Bor (Norfolk, to a man or a boy)
  • Boss (said to a customer or a stranger)
  • Boss Man (to the man behind the shop counter)
  • Bossy Boots (the one who gives the orders)
  • Brad (Bradley)
  • Bradders (Bradley)
  • Brains (the clever one)
  • Bredrin (London, a close friend, from Jamaican English)
  • Bri (Brian)
  • Brickie (a bricklayer)
  • Bridge (Bridget)
  • Brigham (Young)
  • Bro (a brother)
  • Broady (Broad)

B, continued

  • Brummie (what people from Birmingham call themselves)
  • Bruv (London, a brother or a friend)
  • Bryn (Brynmor, Wales)
  • Bubs (a baby)
  • Buck (Taylor)
  • Buffer (Royal Navy, the chief bosun's mate)
  • Buffy (Elizabeth)
  • Bungy (Williams or Edwards)
  • Bunny (Warren)
  • Bunts (Royal Navy, the signalman)
  • Bunty (an old pet name for a girl)
  • Buster (Brown)
  • Butt (South Wales valleys, a friend)
  • Butters (Butterworth or Butterfield)
  • Butty (South Wales, a friend)

C: 63 names

  • Cabbie (a taxi driver)
  • Cadi (Catrin, Welsh)
  • Cam (Cameron)
  • Cammy (Cameron, Scots)
  • Canny Lad (North East England, a good sort)
  • Cariad (Wales, love or darling)
  • Carrie (Caroline)
  • Cass (Cassandra)
  • Cat (Catherine or Caitlin)
  • Cath (Catherine)
  • Cati (Catrin, Welsh)
  • Caulkhead (an Isle of Wight islander, said of themselves)

C, continued

  • Caz (Caroline or Carol)
  • Cazza (Caroline)
  • Ceri (Ceridwen, Wales)
  • Chae (Charles, North East Scotland)
  • Chalky (White)
  • Chappers (Chapman)
  • Chappy (Chapman)
  • Char (Charlotte)
  • Charl (Charlotte)
  • Charlie (Charles)
  • Chas (Charles)
  • Chats (Harris)
  • Chatterbox (the one who never stops talking)

C, continued

  • Chazza (Charles or Charlie)
  • Cheeky Monkey (a child who answers back, said fondly)
  • Chelle (Michelle)
  • Cherub (a baby or a good child)
  • Chic (Charles, Scotland)
  • Chick (a term of affection for a child)
  • Chicken (a term of affection)
  • Chief (said to a man whose name you do not know)
  • Chiefy (RAF, a flight sergeant)
  • Chippy (Carpenter)
  • Chris (Christopher or Christine)
  • Chrissie (Christina, Scotland)

C, continued

  • Chuck (Lancashire and Manchester, a term of affection)
  • Cis (Cecilia)
  • Cissie (Cecilia or Cicely)
  • Clanky (Royal Navy, a marine engineer)
  • Clarkey (Clarke)
  • Clemmie (Clementine)
  • Clever Clogs (the one who knows every answer)
  • Clippie (an old name for a bus conductress)
  • Clubs (Royal Navy, the physical training instructor)
  • Cocker (Lancashire, between friends)
  • Cockney (a Londoner from the East End, said of themselves)
  • Cofi (a native of Caernarfon)
  • Colin (Nicholas, a medieval form)

C, continued

  • Colours (the Army, a colour sergeant)
  • Con (Connor)
  • Connie (Constance)
  • Cooky (Cook)
  • Corp (Army, a corporal)
  • Cosher (Hinds)
  • Cousin Jack (a Cornishman, among the Cornish themselves)
  • Cousin Jenny (a Cornishwoman, among the Cornish themselves)
  • Coxy (Cox)
  • Cuddy (Cuthbert)
  • Curly (the one with curls, or in fun with none)
  • Cuth (Cuthbert)
  • Cyw (Welsh for chick, to a small child)

D: 73 names

  • Da (father, Scotland, Wales and the North East)
  • Dabtoe (Royal Navy, a seaman specialist)
  • Dad (father, all over Britain)
  • Daddy (father, said by a small child)
  • Daf (Dafydd, Welsh)
  • Dai (David or Dafydd, Wales)
  • Dai Bread (David the baker, a Welsh byname)
  • Dai Milk (David the milkman, a Welsh byname)
  • Dai Post (David the postman, a Welsh byname)
  • Daisy (Margaret, or anyone named Bell)
  • Dan (Daniel)
  • Dandie (Andrew, Scottish Borders)
  • Dani (Danielle)
  • Daph (Daphne)

D, continued

  • Darby (Allen)
  • Darling (a term of affection, all over Britain)
  • Dauvit (David, Scots)
  • Dave (David)
  • Davie (David, Scots)
  • Davies the Shop (the shopkeeper, a Welsh byname)
  • Daw (David, a medieval form)
  • Dawkin (David, the root of the surname Dawkins)
  • Daz (Darren)
  • Dazza (Darren)
  • Dear (said to anyone, in shops especially)
  • Dear Boy (an old upper-class form of address)
  • Dear Heart (an old term of affection)
  • Dearie (said by an older woman to anyone)
  • Debs (Deborah or Debbie)

D, continued

  • Dec (Declan)
  • Dee (Deirdre or Denise)
  • Deeps (Royal Navy, a submariner)
  • Dei (Dafydd, North Wales)
  • Deio (Dafydd, Welsh)
  • Del (Derek)
  • Den (Dennis)
  • Dez (Derek or Desmond)
  • Di (Diana or Diane)
  • Dic (Richard, Wales)
  • Dick (Richard)
  • Dickie (Richard, or anyone named Bird)
  • Dicko (Dickinson or Dixon)
  • Dickon (Richard, a medieval form)

D, continued

  • Dil (Dilwyn or Dilys, Wales)
  • Dinger (Bell)
  • Dixie (Dean)
  • Dob (Robert, a medieval form)
  • Dobbin (Robert, a medieval form)
  • Dobbo (Dobson)
  • Doc (the medic, or anyone handy with a plaster)
  • Dod (George, Scots)
  • Doddie (George, Scots)
  • Dode (George, Scots)
  • Dodge (Roger, a medieval form)
  • Dodger (Long)
  • Dodie (Dorothy)
  • Doll (Glasgow, to a woman)
  • Dolly (Gray)

D, continued

  • Don (Donald)
  • Donnie (Donald, Scots)
  • Doonhamer (what people from Dumfries call themselves)
  • Dora (Dorothy or Theodora)
  • Dottie (Dorothy)
  • Doug (Douglas)
  • Doughy (Baker)
  • Drew (Andrew, Scotland)
  • Drive (Bristol and South Wales, said to a bus driver)
  • Duck (East Midlands, said to anyone)
  • Duckling (a term of affection for a child)
  • Ducky (Midlands, said to anyone)
  • Dunky (Duncan, Scots)
  • Dusty (Miller or Rhodes)
  • Dutchy (Holland)

E: 24 names

  • Eck (Alexander, Scots)
  • Ecky (Alexander, Scots)
  • Ed (Edward or Edwin)
  • Edie (Edith)
  • Edna (May)
  • Effie (Euphemia)
  • Elkin (Elias, the root of the surname Elkins)
  • Elle (Eleanor or Ellen)
  • Ellie (Eleanor or Ellen)
  • Elsie (Elizabeth)
  • Elspie (Elspeth, Scots)
  • Em (Emma or Emily)

E, continued

  • Emmot (Emma, the root of the surname Emmott)
  • Emmy (Emily or Emma)
  • Eppie (Euphemia, Scots)
  • Erchie (Archibald, Glasgow)
  • Erk (Royal Air Force, an aircraftman)
  • Ernie (Ernest)
  • Essie (Esther)
  • Ettie (Henrietta)
  • Evans the Bus (the bus driver, a Welsh byname)
  • Evans the Death (the undertaker, a Welsh byname)
  • Evans the Post (the postman, a Welsh byname)
  • Evie (Evelyn or Eve)

F: 24 names

  • Fach (Wales, little one, said to a woman or girl)
  • Faither (Scotland, father)
  • Fam (London, a close friend)
  • Faz (Faisal or Farah)
  • Fella (Liverpool and the North West, a man)
  • Fergie (Fergus or Ferguson, Scotland)
  • Fi (Fiona)
  • Fin (Finlay, Scotland)
  • Flapper (Hughes)
  • Flash (Gordon)
  • Flick (Felicity)
  • Flight (RAF, a flight sergeant)

F, continued

  • Fliss (Felicity)
  • Florrie (Florence)
  • Flossie (Florence)
  • Flower (Yorkshire, a term of affection)
  • Fran (Frances)
  • Frank (Francis)
  • Frankie (Frances)
  • Franny (Francis, Liverpool and the North West)
  • Fred (Frederick)
  • Freddie (Frederick)
  • Friar (Tuck)
  • Full Screw (the Army, a corporal)

G: 59 names

  • Gabs (Gabrielle)
  • Gaffer (the foreman, or a football manager)
  • Gangan (a grandmother, a small child's word)
  • Gar (Gareth, Wales)
  • Gaz (Gary or Gareth)
  • Gazza (Gary or Gareth)
  • Gee (Georgia or Georgina)
  • Geezer (London, a bloke)
  • Gem (Gemma)
  • Geoff (Geoffrey)
  • Geordie (George; also what Tynesiders call themselves)
  • Georgie (George)
  • Ger (Geraint, Welsh)
  • Gerry (Gerald or Gerard)

G, continued

  • Gertie (Gertrude)
  • Geth (Gethin, Welsh)
  • Gez (Gerard or Gerald)
  • Gib (Gilbert, a medieval form)
  • Gibbon (Gilbert, the root of the surname Gibbons)
  • Gibby (Gilbert, Scots)
  • Gil (Gilbert)
  • Gill (Gillian)
  • Gillot (Gillian, a medieval form)
  • Ginge (the redhead)
  • Ginger (the redhead)
  • Ginny (Virginia)
  • Girzie (Grizel, Scots)
  • Glyn (Glyndwr, Wales)
  • Gog (a North Walian, said of themselves)

G, continued

  • Gord (Gordon)
  • Goughie (Gough)
  • Gracie (Grace)
  • Gramps (grandfather, said fondly)
  • Grampy (grandfather, the West Country and South Wales)
  • Gran (grandmother, all over Britain)
  • Grancha (South Wales valleys, a grandfather)
  • Granda (Scotland and North East England, grandfather)
  • Grandad (grandfather, all over Britain)
  • Grandma (grandmother, all over Britain)
  • Grandpa (grandfather, all over Britain)
  • Granny (grandmother; in the Navy, anyone named Henderson)
  • Granpaw (Scots, a grandfather)
  • Greenie (Royal Navy, an electrician)
  • Greg (Gregory)

G, continued

  • Griff (Griffith or Griffiths, Wales)
  • Groupie (Royal Air Force, a group captain)
  • Gruff (Gruffudd, Wales)
  • Gunner (a Royal Artillery soldier)
  • Guns (Royal Navy, the gunnery officer)
  • Gus (Augustus or Angus)
  • Gussie (Augusta, or Angus in Scotland)
  • Guto (Gruffudd, Welsh)
  • Gutyn (Gruffudd, Welsh)
  • Guv (London, to a boss or a customer)
  • Guv'nor (London, the boss)
  • Gwen (Gwendoline)
  • Gwennie (Gwendoline)
  • Gwenno (Gwen or Gwenllian, Wales)
  • Gwil (Gwilym, Wales)

H: 42 names

  • Hal (Henry)
  • Half-Pint (the small one)
  • Hamlet (Hamo, a medieval form)
  • Hampshire Hog (an old name Hampshire people gave themselves)
  • Han (Hannah)
  • Hankin (John, a medieval form)
  • Happy (Day)
  • Harv (Harvey)
  • Hattie (Harriet)
  • Hawkin (Henry, the root of the surname Hawkins)
  • Hazza (Harry)
  • Hels (Helen)
  • Hen (Scotland, to a woman)
  • Henners (Henry)

H, continued

  • Her Indoors (London, a wife, said in fun)
  • Her Ladyship (in fun, a wife or daughter giving the orders)
  • Herb (Herbert)
  • Herbie (Herbert)
  • Hetty (Henrietta or Hester)
  • Hev (Heather)
  • Hewet (Hugh, the root of the surname Hewitt)
  • Hick (Richard, a medieval form)
  • Higgy (Higgins)
  • Hil (Hilary)
  • Hinny (Tyneside, a term of affection)
  • His Lordship (in fun, a husband or son giving the orders)
  • His Nibs (in fun, a man who gives himself airs)
  • Hob (Robert, a medieval form)

H, continued

  • Hodge (Roger, a medieval form)
  • Hodgkin (Roger, the root of the surname Hodgkins)
  • Hodgy (Hodgson)
  • Hoggy (Hogg)
  • Hooky (Walker)
  • Hopkin (Robert, the root of the surname Hopkins)
  • Hubby (a husband)
  • Hud (Hugh or Richard, a medieval form)
  • Huggin (Hugh, the root of the surname Huggins)
  • Humph (Humphrey)
  • Hun (said between friends)
  • Hutch (Hutchinson)
  • Hutchin (Hugh, the root of the surname Hutchins)
  • Huwcyn (Huw, Welsh)

I: 11 names

  • Ianto (Ifan or Ieuan, Wales)
  • Ibb (Isabel, a medieval form)
  • Ibbot (Isabel, the root of the surname Ibbotson)
  • Ieu (Ieuan, Wales)
  • Ike (Isaac)
  • Imp (a small child up to mischief)
  • Ina (Christina or Georgina, Scotland)
  • Iolo (Iorwerth, Welsh)
  • Iori (Iorwerth, Welsh)
  • Isa (Isabella, Scotland)
  • Izzy (Isabel or Isobel)

J: 59 names

  • Jac (John, Wales)
  • Jack Dusty (Royal Navy, the stores rating)
  • Jack Tar (a sailor, an old name)
  • Jacks (Jacqueline)
  • Jake (Jacob)
  • Jamie (James, Scotland)
  • Jan (Janet or Janice)
  • Janie (Jane)
  • Jankin (John, a medieval form)
  • Janner (what people from Plymouth call themselves)
  • Jas (Jaspreet or Jasmine)
  • Jaunty (Royal Navy, the master-at-arms)
  • Jeanie (Jean)
  • Jeems (James, Scots)

J, continued

  • Jeff (Geoffrey)
  • Jem (James or Jemima)
  • Jen (Jennifer)
  • Jenkin (John, the root of the surname Jenkins)
  • Jenks (Jenkins)
  • Jenny (Jane or Jennifer)
  • Jenny Wren (a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service)
  • Jess (Jessica)
  • Jessie (Jessica or Janet)
  • Jez (Jeremy)
  • Jezza (Jeremy)
  • Jigger (Lees)
  • Jill (Gillian)
  • Jimmy the One (Royal Navy, the first lieutenant)
  • Jinny (Jane or Virginia)

J, continued

  • Jinty (Janet, Scots)
  • Jo (Joanne or Joanna)
  • Jo-Jo (Joanne or Josephine)
  • Joanie (Joan)
  • Jock (John, Scotland)
  • Jockie (John, Scots)
  • Joe (Joseph)
  • John (London, to a man whose name you do not know)
  • Johnners (Johnston or Johnson)
  • Jon (Jonathan)
  • Jonah (Jones)
  • Jones the Fish (the fishmonger, a Welsh byname)
  • Jones the Meat (the butcher, a Welsh byname)
  • Jones the Milk (the milkman, a Welsh byname)
  • Jones the School (the schoolmaster, a Welsh byname)

J, continued

  • Jones the Steam (the engine driver, a Welsh byname)
  • Jonesy (Jones)
  • Jonners (Jonathan)
  • Jonno (Jonathan or Johnson)
  • Jonty (Jonathan)
  • Jools (Julian or Julie)
  • Jord (Jordan)
  • Josh (Joshua)
  • Josie (Josephine)
  • Joss (Jocelyn or Joshua)
  • Jossman (Royal Navy, the master-at-arms)
  • Judd (Jordan, a medieval form)
  • Jude (Judith)
  • Judy (Judith)
  • Jumper (Collins or Cross)

K: 20 names

  • Kam (Kamaljit or Kamran)
  • Kate (Katherine)
  • Kath (Kathleen)
  • Kathy (Kathleen or Katherine)
  • Katie (Katherine)
  • Kay (Katherine)
  • Ken (Kenneth)
  • Kenny (Kenneth, Scotland)
  • Kentish Man (born west of the Medway)
  • Kester (Christopher, an old form)

K, continued

  • Kev (Kevin)
  • Kidda (North East England and Liverpool, a mate)
  • Kiddo (a child, or a younger friend)
  • Kier (Kieran)
  • Killick (Royal Navy, a leading hand)
  • Kim (Kimberley)
  • Kirsty (Christina, Scotland)
  • Kit (Christopher)
  • Kitty (Katherine, or anyone named Wells)
  • Knocker (White or Walker)

L: 60 names

  • La (Liverpool, a lad)
  • Lachie (Lachlan, Scotland)
  • Lackery (Wood)
  • Lad (North of England, a boy or a friend)
  • Laddie (Scotland, a boy)
  • Lamb (a term of affection for a child)
  • Lambkin (a term of affection for a baby)
  • Lance (Lancelot)
  • Lance Jack (the Army, a lance corporal)
  • Larkin (Laurence, a medieval form)
  • Larry (Laurence)
  • Lass (North of England and Scotland, a girl or woman)
  • Lassie (Scotland, a girl)
  • Law (Laurence, a medieval form)
  • Laz (Larry)

L, continued

  • Leezie (Elizabeth, Scots)
  • Lefty (Wright)
  • Lena (Helena or Magdalena)
  • Lenny (Leonard)
  • Leri (Eleri or Teleri, Welsh)
  • Lettie (Letitia)
  • Lew (Lewis)
  • Lewsyn (Lewis, Wales)
  • Lexie (Alexandra, Scots)
  • Lid (Liverpool, a friend)
  • Lil (Lilian)
  • Lils (Lily or Lilian)
  • Lily (Lilian or Elizabeth)
  • Lino (said to an assistant referee)
  • Linz (Lindsay or Lindsey)

L, continued

  • Lisi (Elizabeth, Welsh)
  • Little Horror (a child up to no good, said fondly)
  • Little Madam (a girl who knows her own mind)
  • Little Man (a small boy)
  • Little Miss (a small girl)
  • Little Monkey (a child up to mischief)
  • Little Terror (a child with too much energy)
  • Little Un (the youngest child)
  • Liv (Olivia)
  • Livvy (Olivia)
  • Llelo (Llywelyn, Wales)
  • Llew (Llewelyn, Wales)
  • Lofty (the tall one, or in fun the short one)
  • Loiner (what people from Leeds call themselves)
  • Lol (Laurence)

L, continued

  • Loon (North East Scotland, a boy)
  • Lor (Laura or Lorraine)
  • Lorrie (Lorraine)
  • Lottie (Charlotte)
  • Lou (Louise)
  • Love (said to anyone, all over England)
  • Lovey (a term of affection)
  • Lowrie (Laurence, Shetland)
  • Lozza (Laurence or Lauren)
  • Luce (Lucy)
  • Ludo (Ludovic, Scotland)
  • Lulu (Louise or Lucy)
  • Lyddie (Lydia)
  • Lyds (Lydia)
  • Lyn (Lynda or Lynette)

M: 94 names

  • Ma (mother, Scotland and the North)
  • Mab (Mabel)
  • Mabbot (Mabel, a medieval form)
  • Mac (any surname in Mac or Mc)
  • Macca (a surname in Mc or Mac)
  • Mackem (what people from Sunderland call themselves)
  • Maddy (Madeleine)
  • Madge (Margaret)
  • Maggie (Margaret, Scotland)
  • Magi (Marged, Welsh)
  • Magnie (Magnus, Shetland)
  • Mags (Margaret)
  • Maid (Devon and Cornwall, a girl or a young woman)

M, continued

  • Maid of Kent (a woman born east of the Medway)
  • Maisie (Margaret)
  • Mali (Mair or Mary, Welsh)
  • Malkin (Maud or Mary, a medieval form)
  • Malky (Malcolm, Glasgow)
  • Mam (Wales and the North of England, mother)
  • Mamgu (South Wales, grandmother)
  • Mamie (Mary or Margaret)
  • Mammy (mother, Wales and the North)
  • Man of Kent (born east of the Medway)
  • Manc (what Mancunians call themselves)
  • Mand (Mandy or Amanda)
  • Mandy (Amanda)

M, continued

  • Mansie (Magnus, Orkney and Shetland)
  • Marge (Marjorie or Margaret)
  • Mariot (Mary, a medieval form)
  • Marra (West Cumbria and Wearside, a mate)
  • Mart (Martin)
  • Mate (said everywhere in Britain)
  • Matelot (a sailor, said of themselves)
  • Mater (mother, old public-school slang)
  • Matt (Matthew)
  • Mattha (Matthew, Scots)
  • Mattie (Matilda or Martha)
  • Maudie (Maud)
  • Maw (Scotland, mother)
  • Max (Maxwell or Maximilian)

M, continued

  • May (Mary or Margaret)
  • Me Babber (Bristol, to anyone)
  • Me Duck (Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, said to anyone)
  • Me Old China (London, from china plate, mate)
  • Me Old Cock Sparrow (London, to a friend)
  • Me Old Dutch (London, a wife)
  • Me Old Fruit (London, an old greeting between men)
  • Me Old Mucker (a friend of long standing)
  • Megs (Megan)
  • Mei (Meirion, Welsh)
  • Mel (Melanie)
  • Mered (Meredydd, Wales)
  • Mickey (Michael)

M, continued

  • Middy (Royal Navy, a midshipman)
  • Mike (Michael)
  • Milkie (the milkman)
  • Millie (Millicent or Mildred)
  • Mills (Millie or Amelia)
  • Mima (Jemima, Scots)
  • Mims (Miriam)
  • Min (Aberdeen, to a man)
  • Mina (Wilhelmina)
  • Minnie (Wilhelmina or Mary)
  • Minty (Araminta)
  • Miss (said by pupils to any female teacher)
  • Missy (a girl, said with a raised eyebrow)
  • Mitch (Mitchell)

M, continued

  • Mither (Scotland, mother)
  • Mo (Maureen or Mohammed)
  • Moc (Morgan, Wales)
  • Mog (Margaret, a medieval form)
  • Moll (Mary)
  • Mom (mother, Birmingham and the West Midlands)
  • Monkey (a mischievous child)
  • Monkey Hanger (what people from Hartlepool call themselves)
  • Monty (Montague or Montgomery)
  • Moonraker (what people from Wiltshire call themselves)
  • Moppet (a small child)
  • Mouchy (Reeves)
  • Mozzer (Morris or Morrissey)

M, continued

  • Muddy (Waters)
  • Mum (mother, most of Britain)
  • Mummy (mother, said by a small child)
  • Mumsy (mother, said fondly or in fun)
  • Murdo (Murdoch, Scotland)
  • Mush (Hampshire and the South coast, a mate)
  • My Beauty (Cornwall and Devon, to anyone)
  • My Bird (Cornwall and Devon, a term of affection)
  • My Dear Fellow (an old form of address between men)
  • My Handsome (Cornwall, said to anyone)
  • My Lovely (the West Country, said to anyone)
  • My Lover (Bristol and the West Country, said to anyone)
  • Myf (Myfanwy, Welsh)
  • Mysie (Marjorie or Margaret, Scots)

N: 35 names

  • Nain (North Wales, grandmother)
  • Nan (grandmother, England and Wales)
  • Nana (grandmother)
  • Nance (Nancy)
  • Nancy (Ann or Anne)
  • Nannan (Yorkshire and the East Midlands, a grandmother)
  • Nanny (grandmother, or a child's nurse)
  • Nansi (Ann, Wales)
  • Nat (Natalie)
  • Nath (Nathan)
  • Naz (Nasir, Nazia or Nazim)

N, continued

  • Nedw (Edward, Wales)
  • Nel (Elen, Wales)
  • Nell (Eleanor, Ellen or Helen)
  • Nellie (Eleanor, Ellen or Helen)
  • Ness (Vanessa)
  • Nessie (Agnes)
  • Netta (Janet or Henrietta)
  • Nettie (Annette or Henrietta)
  • Nic (Nicola)
  • Nicky (Nicola or Nicholas)
  • Nidge (Nigel)
  • Nige (Nigel)

N, continued

  • Nin (Liverpool, a grandmother)
  • Nip (a small child, short for nipper)
  • Nipper (a small child, London and the South)
  • Nobby (Clark or Clarke)
  • Nocky (Knight)
  • Noll (Oliver)
  • Nora (Eleanor or Honora)
  • Norrie (Norman, Scots)
  • Nosey (Parker)
  • Now (Owen, North Wales)
  • Number One (Royal Navy, the first lieutenant)
  • Nutty (Cox)

O: 16 names

  • Ol (Oliver)
  • Old Bean (an old upper-class greeting between men)
  • Old Boy (an old greeting between men)
  • Old Chap (an old greeting between men)
  • Old Son (London, an older man to a younger one)
  • Old Thing (an old upper-class term of affection)
  • Ollie (Oliver, Olive or Olivia)
  • Oppo (Royal Navy and Royal Marines, a close friend)

O, continued

  • Other Half (a husband, wife or partner)
  • Our Dad (the North of England, my father)
  • Our Kid (Manchester and the North West, a brother or sister)
  • Our Lad (the North of England, a son or brother)
  • Our Lass (Yorkshire and the North East, a wife)
  • Our Mam (the North of England, my mother)
  • Our Young Un (the North of England, a younger sibling)
  • Oz (Oswald or Osborne)

P: 51 names

  • Pa (father, an older form)
  • Padre (the services, the chaplain)
  • Pal (Scotland and the North of England)
  • Pam (Pamela)
  • Papa (grandfather, Scotland)
  • Pard (Cornwall, a friend)
  • Parkin (Peter, a medieval form)
  • Parky (Parkinson or Parker)
  • Parnell (Petronilla, a medieval form)
  • Pat (Patricia)
  • Pate (Peter or Patrick, old Scots)
  • Pater (father, old public-school slang)

P, continued

  • Patsy (Patricia)
  • Patty (Patricia or Martha)
  • Paw (Scotland, father)
  • Pedlar (Palmer)
  • Peem (James, Dundee)
  • Peg (Margaret)
  • Pen (Penelope)
  • Penny (Penelope)
  • Perce (Percy or Percival)
  • Percy (Percival)
  • Perkin (Peter, the root of the surname Perkins)
  • Pet (North East England, said to anyone)
  • Pet Lamb (North East England, to someone dear)

P, continued

  • Petal (North of England, a term of affection)
  • Petey (Peter)
  • Phemie (Euphemia, Scots)
  • Phil (Philip)
  • Philpot (Philip, the root of the surname Philpott)
  • Phip (Philip, a medieval form)
  • Phyl (Phyllis)
  • Pickle (a child in a mess or up to mischief)
  • Pie Eater (what people from Wigan call themselves)
  • Pills (Holloway)
  • Pilot (Royal Navy, the navigating officer)
  • Pincher (Martin)
  • Pip (Philip or Philippa)

P, continued

  • Pippa (Philippa)
  • Poll (Mary)
  • Pony (Moore)
  • Poppet (a term of affection for a child)
  • Pops (father, said fondly)
  • Popsy (an old term of affection for a girl)
  • Postie (the postman)
  • Posy (Josephine)
  • Prof (the studious one)
  • Pru (Prudence)
  • Pudding (a term of affection for a child)
  • Pusser (Royal Navy, the supply officer)
  • Pwt (Welsh, a little one)

Q: 3 names

  • Queen (Liverpool, to a woman)
  • Queenie (Victoria or Regina)
  • Quine (North East Scotland, a girl)

R: 42 names

  • Rab (Robert, Scots)
  • Rabbie (Robert, Scots)
  • Rach (Rachel)
  • Rafe (Ralph, the old pronunciation)
  • Raff (Rafferty or Raphael)
  • Raj (Rajesh or Rajinder)
  • Randle (Randolph, a medieval form)
  • Rankin (Randolph, a medieval form)
  • Rascal (a child up to mischief)
  • Rasmie (Erasmus, Shetland)
  • Rattler (Morgan)
  • Rawlin (Ralph, the root of the surname Rawlins)
  • Reenie (Irene or Doreen)
  • Reggie (Reginald)

R, continued

  • Rene (Irene)
  • Rev (the vicar)
  • Rex (Reginald)
  • Rhi (Rhiannon, Welsh)
  • Rhod (Rhodri, Wales)
  • Rich (Richard)
  • Richie (Richard)
  • Ricky (Richard)
  • Rita (Margaret)
  • Rob (Robert)
  • Robbie (Robert, Scotland)
  • Robbo (Robinson or Robson)
  • Robin (Robert)
  • Rod (Rodney or Roderick)

R, continued

  • Rodders (Rodney)
  • Roddy (Roderick, Scotland)
  • Rog (Roger)
  • Rollo (Roland)
  • Roly (Roland)
  • Ron (Ronald)
  • Ronnie (Ronald or Veronica)
  • Ros (Rosalind or Rosemary)
  • Rosie (Rose or Rosemary)
  • Royal (Royal Navy, a Royal Marine)
  • Rube (Reuben)
  • Rupe (Rupert)
  • Russ (Russell)
  • Rusty (Steele)

S: 96 names

  • Sal (Sally)
  • Sam (Samantha)
  • Sand Dancer (what people from South Shields call themselves)
  • Sander (Alexander, a medieval form)
  • Sandie (Sandra or Alexandra)
  • Sandy (Alexander, Scotland)
  • Sanj (Sanjay or Sanjeev)
  • Sapper (a Royal Engineer)
  • Sarge (a sergeant)
  • Sausage (a child being silly, as in silly sausage)
  • Saz (Sarah)
  • Sazza (Sarah)
  • Scallywag (a child up to mischief)

S, continued

  • Scamp (a child up to mischief)
  • Schoolie (Royal Navy, the instructor officer)
  • Scouser (what Liverpudlians call themselves)
  • Scribes (Royal Navy, the writer)
  • Seb (Sebastian)
  • Shady (Lane)
  • Shan (Shannon)
  • Sharkey (Ward)
  • Shaz (Sharon)
  • Shazza (Sharon)
  • Shiner (Wright, White or Black)
  • Shipmate (Royal Navy, to a fellow sailor)
  • Shiv (Siobhan)
  • Shoni (John, South Wales)

S, continued

  • Shug (Hugh, Scots)
  • Shuggie (Hugh, Scots)
  • Si (Simon)
  • Siani (Siân, Welsh)
  • Sid (Sidney)
  • Silly Billy (a child being silly)
  • Sim (Simon, a medieval form)
  • Simkin (Simon, the root of the surname Simpkins)
  • Sioni (Siôn, Welsh)
  • Sir (said by pupils to any male teacher)
  • Sis (a sister)
  • Sisley (Cecily, an old form)
  • Skin and Blister (London rhyming slang, sister)
  • Skip (the captain of a team)

S, continued

  • Skipper (the captain of a team or a boat)
  • Sky Pilot (the services, the chaplain)
  • Slinger (Woods)
  • Slowcoach (the one at the back on a walk)
  • Smiler (the cheerful one, or in fun the gloomy one)
  • Smithy (Smith)
  • Smoggie (what people from Teesside call themselves)
  • Smoky (Holmes)
  • Smudge (Smith)
  • Smudger (Smith)
  • Snip (Taylor)
  • Snowy (Baker)
  • Soapy (Watson or Hudson)

S, continued

  • Sol (Solomon)
  • Son (said by an older man to a younger one)
  • Sonny Jim (said to a boy by an older man)
  • Sophs (Sophie)
  • Sophy (Sophia)
  • Sparks (the radio operator, or an electrician)
  • Sparky (an electrician)
  • Spider (Webb)
  • Spike (Sullivan)
  • Spokey (Wheeler)
  • Sprat (a small child)
  • Sprog (a child, said in fun)
  • Spud (Murphy)
  • Squaddie (a soldier in the ranks)

S, continued

  • Squire (said by a tradesman to a customer)
  • Squirt (the small one, said by an older brother or sister)
  • Stace (Stacey)
  • Staff (the Army, a staff sergeant)
  • Stan (Stanley)
  • Ste (Stephen, Liverpool and the North West)
  • Steph (Stephanie)
  • Steve (Stephen)
  • Stewie (Stewart, Scotland)
  • Stormy (Gale)
  • Stripey (Royal Navy, a long-serving able seaman)
  • Stu (Stuart)
  • Stumper (the wicketkeeper)
  • Subby (Royal Navy, a sub-lieutenant)

S, continued

  • Sue (Susan)
  • Sugar (Cain or Kane)
  • Sukey (Susan)
  • Sunny (the cheerful one)
  • Sunshine (London and the South East, said with a wink)
  • Susie (Susan or Susannah)
  • Swain (Royal Navy, the coxswain)
  • Swampy (Marsh)
  • Swansea Jack (what people from Swansea call themselves)
  • Sweeney (Todd)
  • Sweet Pea (a term of affection for a child)
  • Sweetheart (said to anyone, in the South especially)
  • Sweetie (a term of affection)
  • Sylvie (Sylvia)

T: 65 names

  • Tabby (Tabitha)
  • Tadcu (South Wales, grandfather)
  • Taid (North Wales, grandfather)
  • Tail-End Charlie (Royal Air Force, the rear gunner)
  • Tam (Thomas, Scots)
  • Tammas (Thomas, Scots)
  • Tankie (a Royal Tank Regiment soldier)
  • Tansy (Lee)
  • Taz (Tariq or Tasmin)
  • Tearaway (a child who never sits still)
  • Teddy (Edward or Theodore)
  • Teenie (Christina, Scots)
  • Tel (Terry or Terence)

T, continued

  • Tenney (Dennis, a medieval form)
  • Tess (Teresa or Tessa)
  • Tessie (Teresa)
  • Tetty (Elizabeth)
  • Tezza (Terry)
  • Thatch (Thatcher)
  • The Missus (a wife, said by her husband)
  • The Old Dear (a mother, said fondly)
  • The Old Girl (a mother or wife, said fondly)
  • The Old Man (a father, or a husband)
  • Thea (Dorothea or Theodora)
  • Theo (Theodore)
  • Thomas the Bank (the bank manager, a Welsh byname)

T, continued

  • Thommo (Thompson)
  • Tib (Isabel, a medieval form)
  • Tibbie (Isabella, Scots)
  • Tibby (Isabel)
  • Tiddler (a small child)
  • Tiffy (Royal Navy, an artificer)
  • Tilda (Matilda)
  • Till (Matilda, a medieval form)
  • Tils (Matilda)
  • Tim (Timothy)
  • Timber (Wood or Woods)
  • Tina (Christina)
  • Tinker (a naughty child, said fondly)

T, continued

  • Titch (the small one)
  • Tod (Hunter)
  • Tolly (Bartholomew)
  • Tom (Thomas)
  • Tomi (Tomos, Welsh)
  • Tomkin (Thomas, the root of the surname Tomkins)
  • Tommo (Thomas or Thomson)
  • Toni (Antonia)
  • Topsy (Turner)
  • Tor (Victoria)
  • Tori (Victoria)
  • Torps (Royal Navy, the torpedo officer)
  • Tosh (Gilbert)

T, continued

  • Tot (a very small child)
  • Tottie (Bell)
  • Treacle (London, a term of affection)
  • Treasure (a term of affection)
  • Trev (Trevor)
  • Tris (Tristan)
  • Trixie (Beatrix)
  • Trouble (the one who always finds it)
  • Trouble and Strife (London rhyming slang, wife)
  • Tuffers (Tufnell)
  • Tug (Wilson)
  • Twm (Tomos, Welsh)
  • Tyke (Yorkshire, a cheeky child)

U: 1 name

  • Unc (uncle)

V: 10 names

  • Val (Valerie)
  • Vasco (Royal Navy, the navigating officer)
  • Vern (Vernon)
  • Vi (Violet)
  • Vic (Victor)
  • Vicky (Victoria)
  • Vince (Vincent)
  • Vinnie (Lavinia)
  • Viv (Vivien or Vivienne)
  • Vix (Victoria)

W: 32 names

  • Wack (Liverpool, an old word for a mate)
  • Walt (Walter)
  • Wat (Walter)
  • Watkin (Walter, the root of the surname Watkins)
  • Wattie (Walter, Scots)
  • Wazza (Warren or Wayne)
  • Wean (West of Scotland, a child)
  • Wee Man (Scotland and Northern Ireland, a boy or a friend)
  • Wee Yin (Scotland, the little one)
  • Weegie (a Glaswegian, said of themselves)

W, continued

  • Wend (Wendy)
  • Wes (Wesley)
  • Whacker (Payne)
  • Wheeler (Johnson)
  • Wifey (a wife, in fun)
  • Wiggy (Bennett)
  • Wil (Wiliam, Wales)
  • Wilcock (William, a medieval form)
  • Wilf (Wilfred)
  • Wilkin (William, the root of the surname Wilkins)
  • Wilks (Wilkinson or Wilkes)

W, continued

  • Williams the Coal (the coal merchant, a Welsh byname)
  • Wills (William)
  • Wilmot (William, a medieval form)
  • Winco (Royal Air Force, a wing commander)
  • Windy (Gale)
  • Winger (Royal Navy, a close friend)
  • Winnie (Winifred)
  • Wor Kid (Tyneside, a brother or sister)
  • Wor Lass (Tyneside, a wife or girlfriend)
  • Wull (William, Scots)
  • Wullie (William, Scots)

X: 1 name

  • Xan (Alexander, an upper-class pet form)

Y: 3 names

  • Yas (Yasmin)
  • Yellowbelly (what people from Lincolnshire call themselves)
  • Youth (Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, to a man of any age)

Z: 2 names

  • Zak (Zachary)
  • Zo (Zoe)