While some are easily derived, how did some of the more curious informal names come to be, such as "Jack" from John or "Dick" from Richard?

JoshCaleb12

Such names are called "diminutive" names... Before the 17th century or so, the most common diminutive endings were the Norman/English “in” or “kin” Jack, for instance, was originally from the name Jakin, a corrupted form of Jenkin (John+kin). R’s at the beginning of names fared little better, often being replaced with “Ds,” “Hs,” or even “Ns.” Robert gave up the nicknames Rob, but also Dob, Hob, Nob, and later, Bob. And Richard gave up the nicknames Rick, but also Dick and Hick, while Roger clocks in with Rodge, Dodge and Hodge. Both the above paragraphs are from the following, very interesting website... http://www.geocities.com/edgarbook/names/other/nicknames.html Oct 27 05, 9:47 PM

LeakyPickle

Good stuff. Thanks! Oct 28 05, 12:53 PM