So where does the B come from? And how does James become Jim? Did the I just magically appear?
I've always wondered about that? Anyone know?
2007-03-18 11:47:28 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
When fathers named their sons after themselves they didn't want to get mixed up with their son. So they took whatever name is short for theirs (so for Willian, Will) and then changed the first letter (Will to Bill). I'm not sure about James and Jim, but it's probably somthing similar.
2007-03-18 13:21:54 · answer #1 · answered by Mickey C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are websites that give origins of nicknames like that. If you do a search under name origins or nickname origins, you may find answers. Also, I've found references on babycenter.com on some of the name poll bulletin boards.
I agree, some of the nicknames that go with some names are really out there. Like, how do you get Peg from Margaret? That one really stumps me.
2007-03-18 19:35:23 · answer #2 · answered by Starfall 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The names are just shortened to make them easier to say.
People love to shorten words and names.
And no matter how hard I look, I can’t
see a Dick in Richard. And William has no
Bill – just an ill. Robert has a Rob, but no Bob.
It's one of those things that just aren't supposed to make any sense.
2007-03-18 19:05:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Richard becomes Dick
Robert changes to Bob...
I think its easier to say than Rich
Rob
or Will
all words that might be mistaken in English for something else....
2007-03-18 19:47:36 · answer #4 · answered by Lucas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the usual nicknames came from kid speaks. They can't speak clearly and must simplify the words. "Bill" is easier to speak than "William".
2007-03-19 05:04:13 · answer #5 · answered by chefeclin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First letter change after the shortening.
William
Will
Bill
Richard
Rick
Dick
2007-03-18 18:55:20 · answer #6 · answered by csucdartgirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just don't know, but I don't like it. lol..my name is Melissa, but every one calls me Missy..makes no sense to me....
2007-03-18 20:11:43 · answer #7 · answered by flirtingwithautism 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋