A good nickname is like a business card. It says who you are and quickly sets you apart from other people with the same name as you. Whether you're looking for a new nickname for practical reasons or just for fun, here's how to choose a nickname based on your name and get it to stay.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Weigh the Options
Step 1. Look at your name
Think of shorter names that might be hidden in it. For example, the name the name Antonio contains the shorter name Toni. The name Alessandro contains Ale, Alex and Sandro. These names in turn may have nicknames, such as Sandrino. Many people choose a nickname based on their first name because it is easy for themselves and others to remember.
- Surname can also be a good source of nicknames. For example, people whose surnames begin with Mc- or Mac-, as in the case of John McClane, sometimes choose to be given the nickname Mac. A surname itself can be a nickname.
- Consider combinations of the letters in your name that may form non-regular names, but are easy to say. Someone named Stefano might think of being called Ste.
Step 2. Look at your hobbies and talents
If you have a reputation for being able to do something well or stand out in some other way, it could lead to a nickname. Someone with a loud, explosive scream might be called a Bomb. A really smart person is sometimes called a "brainy": even Brain can be a great nickname. To make sure the name you choose refers to your name, look for nicknames that share the first letter of your name, or that rhyme with it.
Step 3. Check for family inheritance
The places you grew up in, as well as your ancestors too, can sometimes provide you with great nicknames. A person with ancestry from the Netherlands might be called "the Dutchman"; a person born in Lazio could be called "the Lazio". A strong sense of connection to ancestor culture can also provide a nickname that means the same thing as your real name, but in another language or cultural tradition.
Method 2 of 2: Choose the Perfect Nickname
Step 1. Find your favorites
Write down any names that come to your mind and then say them aloud. Introduce yourself using each of these and think about how it sounds. If you're having a hard time deciding which name sounds better than the others, take some time and come back after a day or so. The goal is to find that name of your choice above all the others, plus a couple of alternatives.
Step 2. Test the waters
With your favorite nicknames in mind, tell those around you and see what they think. It can be difficult to find a nickname to give yourself if others don't like it. Ask friends to call you by your favorite name. If they play along, the nickname is probably the right one. If they're not comfortable with the idea, however, it might be time to try one of the alternatives.
Step 3. Use your new nickname
Now that you've found a nickname your friends are willing to call you, introduce yourself to others using it. Ask teachers and employers to call you with it. Consider using the nickname on social networking sites like Facebook. Your new nickname will be fixed in no time.
Advice
- You are unlikely to completely convince your parents to always call you by your new nickname. They will point to you as a child and, as such, will always call you by any of the pet names they like to use. There isn't much to do about it, so it's best to try not to worry about it.
- Adopting a new nickname takes time, both to decide and to get people you know to use it. Be patient and don't be angry when someone who has known you for a long time forgets to use the nickname.
Warnings
- Overly grandiose nicknames (such as Dragon) rarely remain, because people consider it foolish to call someone by those names. On the other hand, a too ridiculous name (like Feces Monster) could have a flashback and stay too long, leading to ridicule. Choose names that flow into conversation without too many frowns.
- If friends already have a nickname for you, it can be very difficult to change it. If it's a mean or offensive nickname, first talk to your friends about how it makes you feel, instead of trying to cover it up with a new one.
