Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Base your nickname on your first name
• Method 2 of 4: Using other aspects of your real name
• Method 3 of 4: Using other resources
• Method 4 of 4: Avoid nickname pitfalls
• Tips

There are many reasons why you can look for a nickname. Your first name can be very long, boring or difficult to pronounce. There may be several people in your social circle with the same name, and you may be looking for an easy way to differentiate. Or maybe you just don't like hearing your first name. Some people like to "try" new nicknames at the start of a new chapter in their life. Whatever the reason, once you've decided you're going to come up with a nickname, it can be difficult to decide what to do next. Fortunately, there are all kinds of options.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Base your nickname on your first name

1. Only use the first syllables of your first name. The most common nicknames are edited versions of first names. This is pretty standard and can be a good option if you are changing schools, going to college, starting a new job, or simply wanting to start over. It will be easier for you to adjust to a nickname similar to what you are normally called. Since you will be meeting new people, you will not have to ask anyone to name you other than they used to be. There are three main ways to do this:
   • Simply delete the last syllable of your name. Examples include "Jon" from "Jonathan", "Bea" from "Beatriz", "Sam" from "Samantha" or "Samuel", "Jess" from "Jessica" and "Santi" from "Santiago".
   • Add "-ie", "i" or "y" to the shortened version of your first name. If your first name already consists of just one syllable, you can add these sounds instead. This happens more often with names that young people use, but it also occurs in adults. Common examples are "Charlie" by "Charles", "Susi" by Susana "and" Jenny "by" Jennifer ". Sometimes you need to add an extra consonant to get a good nickname, like "Winnie" from "Winifred", "Patti" from "Patricia" and "Danny" from "Daniel".
   • Add a silent "e". This can be a variation of the abbreviation of your name, as with "Mike" from "Michael" or it can completely change the sound of the name, as with "Kate" by "Kathleen".
2. Base your nickname on a different syllable from your first name. Use the same rules as above and choose either a syllable from the middle or the end of your name. Traditional examples of starting with a syllable from the middle are "Tony" by "Anthony" and "Tina" by "Christina". Traditional examples using only the last syllable are "Beth" by "Elizabeth" and "Rick" or "Ricky" by "Frederick".
   • You can always use this as a guide to come up with a non-traditional nickname yourself. For example, if your first name is "Patrick" you can choose "Trick" instead of "Pat".
3. Consider other traditional abbreviations for your first name. There are a number of unique nicknames based on first names in your culture that you can use as inspiration.
   • In English there are many nicknames based on rhymes. Examples include "Peggy" from "Margaret," "Dick" from "Richard," and "Bill" from "William." Others were created by historical fads or the swapping of letters, as with "Hank" from "Henry" and "Ted 'from' Edward '.
   • Spanish nicknames have their own rules. Many abbreviations, especially in children, end in "-ita" (for girls) or "-ito" for boys. Examples include "Lupita" from "Guadalupe" and "Carlito" from "Carlos." Other examples of traditional nicknames include "Lola" from "Dolores," "Chuy" from "Jesús," "Pepe" from "José" and "Paco. from 'Francisco.'

Method 2 of 4: Using other aspects of your real name

1. Use an insert. If you don't like your first name, you can simply use an prefix instead. Many people have one or more names in addition to their first and last names. It is also common to use one of those names in place of the first name.
2. Use your last name. While this is more common in men, women can also use their last name as a nickname. Sometimes this type of nickname comes about on its own when many people in a class or social circle have the same first name.It is also useful when your first name is long or difficult to pronounce, and your last name is short and simple.
3. Choose your initials. Use your first two initials (or both initials if you don't have an insert) to create a nickname. For example, someone named "Thomas James" may choose "TJ" or someone named "Mary Katharine" may call himself "MK". Not all initials can be used as a nickname. Make sure yours lie comfortably in your mouth. In general, the best nicknames consist of two syllables and end in either the sound "ay" or "ee". Some people even choose only the first initial of their first name.
4. Make an anagram. With an anagram, you rearrange the letters of a word to create a new word. A famous fictional example of this is the villain Lord Voldemort from the "Harry Potter" books by J.K. Rowling's: "I am Lord Voldemort" is an anagram of his original name "Tom Marvolo Riddle."
5. Be witty. You can turn "Mandy" into "Mandible", "Sal" into "Salamander" or "Ryan" into "Rhinoceros". You can use alliteration, where your nickname is the first consonant of one of your real names. You can also choose a word that rhymes with one of your names.
   • You can also base yourself on the original meaning of your name or something that sounds similar. For example, "Ursula" comes from the Latin word for "bear". If your name is Ursula you could choose a nickname related to bears, such as "Honey". The name "Herbert" is derived from words meaning "fierce army" but "sounds" like the Latin-derived English word for fragrant plants. A subtle wit for someone with this name would be names such as "Sage", "Thyme" or even "Dill".

Method 3 of 4: Using other resources

1. Base your nickname on personal characteristics. Many nicknames are based on things that make someone unique: for example, a runner can be called "Beentjes", a proud resident of Amsterdam a "Dammer" or a student who always gets good grades can be nicknamed "Prof".
   • You can also include an adjective that describes the person, such as with "Honest John".
   • A variation on this is the use of an ironic nickname that doesn't describe the person at all. A well-known example of this is "Curly" from The Three Stooges and "Little" John, the gigantic friend of the legendary Robin Hood.
2. Rely on private jokes. This is one of the best sources for nicknames, but it is also difficult to master. Private jokes can provide a lot of inspiration, but you cannot force or plan them. You just have to hope for the best. If you already have a private joke in mind, you can try to come up with nicknames based on it.
3. Use online resources. There are many online nickname quizzes and programs that will suggest possible nicknames based on your personality and first name. These can provide inspiration when you get stuck.
   • Selectsmart.com's Nickname Chooser
   • Quizr0cket.com's "What Is Your Nickname" quiz
   • Gotoquiz.com's "What Nickname Suits Your Personality Quiz
   • Quibblo.com's Nickname generator

Method 4 of 4: Avoid nickname pitfalls

1. Don't try to give yourself a grand nickname. This can work at times - a skinny guy nicknamed "Muscle Ball" ironically and self-mockingly can be funny - but calling yourself "The Girl Magnet" probably won't please most people.
2. Stay calm. Nobody likes the guy who gets frustrated all the time because people forget to call him the "Terminator". People are also usually wary of people imposing their nickname on people who don't want to use it or don't like it. Nicknames should be a fun and everyday thing. Taking it too seriously will make you alienate from people.
3. Be friendly. The purpose of a nickname is to express friendship and affection. Giving people nicknames that are hurtful or uncomfortable is just a form of bullying.
   • If you are unsure whether a certain nickname is okay, you can test it in the presence of someone. This will make the other person feel safe to express their displeasure with the nickname.
   • If you're having a hard time fathoming your friend's response, ask "Did I make you feel uncomfortable when I just called you ____?". If the answer is yes, then you shouldn't try to convince your friend otherwise. Your boyfriend's feelings are more important than your cool idea.
   • Sometimes nicknames that sound offensive can be a fun tease between friends. The important difference is how the nickname makes the other person feel.
4. Avoid nicknames that are difficult to remember or pronounce. Most of the nicknames that last have been captured. "Cthulu" may sound like a cool idea, but it probably won't catch on. Limit yourself to nicknames that are easy to spell and contain no more than a few syllables.
5. Avoid inappropriate nicknames. If you are looking for a nickname that is widely accepted, then you should choose something that will be appropriate in every situation. "Dr. Sexy "probably isn't a good idea. If you think a nickname could have a meaning you're not aware of, just Google it.

Tips

• Let it come to you naturally. Usually nicknames are made up by other people and it can be difficult to nickname yourself. The exception is when you first introduce yourself to new people, but only when your nickname is considered normal by the cultural norms where you live.
• Prepare that some people will not take you very seriously. Also try to show some humor about your nickname.
• Start by introducing yourself with your nickname instead of your real name or introduce yourself to the nature of: "My name is ___, but you may call me (nickname)".
• Try to mix up the letters of your name. For example, the name Bethany can be traced back to Baye or Bay.
• However, be careful when you mix up the letters of your name as it can become inappropriate or just plain strange.