Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Weigh Your Options
• Method 2 of 2: Choose the most suitable nickname
• Tips
• Warnings

A good nickname is like a business card. It talks about who you are and quickly sets you apart from people of the same name. Here's how to choose a nickname based on your own name and make it permanent, whether you want to accept a new nickname for practical reasons or just for fun.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Weigh Your Options

1. 1 Look at your name. Think of a shorter name that might be hidden within it. For example, the name Steven contains a shorter one - Steve. The name Alfred contains Al, Alf, Fred, and Red. These names, in turn, may also have nicknames such as Alfie (for Alf). Many people choose a nickname based on their first name because it is easier for themselves and others to remember.
   • Last names can also be a good source of nicknames. For example, many people whose last names begin with Mac, as in John MacLaine, sometimes choose to be adopted under the moniker Mac. The surname itself can also be a nickname.
   • Consider letter combinations of your name that may not make up real names but are easy to pronounce. Someone named Stephen might consider using Tee or Ven.
   • Nicknames based on your name can be written however you like. "Mack" can also be thought of as "Mac." Pronunciation is more important than spelling.
2. 2 Consider your hobbies and talents. If you have a reputation for being a hobbyist for a particular activity, or if you stand out in some other way, this can help you come up with a nickname. Someone with a loud, shrill scream can walk like Boomer. A very intelligent person is sometimes called the "brain"; The brain can be a good nickname as well. To ensure that the nickname you choose hints at your own name, look at nicknames that share the first letter with your name or are consonant with it.
3. 3 Check your family heritage. The places where you grew up, as well as the places where your ancestors lived, can sometimes provide excellent nicknames. People with ancestors in the Netherlands may choose the nickname Dutchman; persons who come from Texas can go as Tech or Tex. A deep sense of connection with an ancient culture can also provide a nickname that means the same as your name, but in a different language or cultural tradition.

Method 2 of 2: Choose the most suitable nickname

1. 1 Find the names you like. Write down all the names that come out and then say them out loud. Imagine each and think about how it sounds to you. If you're having trouble deciding which names sound better than others, take some time away from the process and come back to it in a day or so. The goal is to find one name that you like the most, plus a couple of alternatives.
2. 2 Discard unnecessary options. Remembering the most appropriate nicknames, talk to the people around you and see what they think. It's hard to stick with your nickname if others don't like it. Ask your friends for a nickname that works for you.If they sound like a game, the nickname will probably stick. If they disagree with the idea, it may take time to select one of the alternative substitutions.
3. 3 Get used to your new nickname. Now that you've found a nickname that your friends are willing to call you, imagine how others will use it. Ask teachers and new employers to name you. See how your nickname goes on social networking sites like Facebook. Your new nickname should be assigned to you as soon as possible.

Tips

• It is unlikely that you will completely convince your parents to call you a new nickname. They raised you from infancy and will always call you whatever name they like. There is nothing you can do about it, so you shouldn't be upset about it.
• It takes time to accept a new nickname, decide for yourself and convince people who know you to call you that. Be patient and don't be discouraged when someone who has known you for a long time doesn't use a nickname.

Warnings

• Overly loud nicknames (for example, "Dragon") rarely catch on, as people feel stupid to call others that. On the other hand, if a name is too funny (like "Scum Monster") it can backfire and stick too well, leading to ridicule. Stick to names that slip through conversation without raising your eyebrows too much.
• If your friends already have a nickname for you, it can be very difficult to change it. If it's a bad or hurtful nickname, first talk to them about how you feel, rather than just trying to come up with a new one.