One comes across cute nicknames for guys in movies, books, and magazines, but it sure is nice to have them all collected in one place. This is it!
By way of background, everyone refers to former President Eisenhower as Ike, not Dwight or Dwight David. Nicknames are usually generated by affection and a feeling of closeness to a person. In the days of the Vikings, nicknames were serious business. A nickname was viewed as a badge of honor bestowed on worthy recipients. There were formal ceremonies to declare a person’s nickname and explain its meaning.
Today, a nickname is usually a substitute for a proper first name. For example, Jennifer Lopez is known as J.Lo. Whoopi Goldberg got her name from her excessive flatulence and being compared to a Whoopee Cushion. Hugh Jackman’s nickname as a kid was Sticks because he had skinny legs. Growing up friends of Daniel Craig didn’t think he was particularly good-looking, and they called him Mr. Potato Head. These days he is known as James Blonde.
Cute Nicknames for Guys
Rock. Everyone remembers the actor Rock Hudson and Rock is still a popular nickname just ask Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. It is interesting to note that a contemporary of Rock Hudson’s was Rip Torn.
Buddy. First to mind is Buddy Holly, his real name was Charles, and there was Buddy Rich another musician. Bud is a shortened version that includes the character Bud Bundy from Married with Children, and pro football coach Bud Grant. In the ’50s and ’60s, lots of young men were called Buddy Boy.
Skip. Skip Marley is the grandson of Bob Marley and a current reggae singer. Past Skips included Skip Humphrey (Son of Hubert Humphrey), and Skip Bayless (a Professional Sportscaster). Of course, Skippy is a famous brand of peanut butter.
Chip. There is a rapper that goes by the name Chip, as do Chip Gaines (HGTV), and Chip Foose (car designer). The nickname is attributed to the saying chip off the old block. Used for either a junior or a man who is just like his father.
Buzz. Probably the most famous Buzz is astronaut Buzz Aldrin. He was the second man to ever walk on the moon. Interestingly, His Mother’s maiden name was Moon.
Crazy Legs. In the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, this nickname was used extensively for football players. Perhaps the most famous was Crazy Legs Hirsch. He played in college and professionally and was known for being able to avoid tacklers with his crazy legs.
Sport. This nickname as defined by the Urban Dictionary is the name your Dad calls you that makes you feel like a total loser. You can also substitute Champ.
Hot Shot. Often used sarcastically, this nickname is designed to put someone with a Big Head back in their place.
Classics
Scooter. Guys named Scott are often called Scooter and the name means a person from Scotland.
Beanstalk. One of many nicknames for people that are tall and a reference to Jack and the Beanstalk. That kid is a real Beanstalk.
Big Boy. Exactly like it sounds like a nickname for a very large person. However, it has also been used for many musicians including Antwan André “Big Boi” Patton from the pop group Outkast.
Stretch. Another nickname for a tall guy, Stretch also refers to a classic toy Stretch Armstrong. An action figure that you could stretch to outrageous lengths,
Lefty or Right. A nickname often used for baseball pitchers.
Slim. Basically the opposite of Big Boy, Slim refers to someone that is very skinny.
Bear. Probably the most famous Bear was the University of Alabama Head Football Coach Paul William “Bear” Bryant. A large, intimidating man who once tackled an opposing player that was running down the sidelines.
Moose. Another animal nickname used for a large person. My father’s name was Bruce Moodie, and his friends would call him Moose Broodie.
Buck. Yet another animal nickname, Buck is generally used for a good ole country boy. Like Buck Owens from the TV Show Hee-Haw.
Sticks. A classic nickname for someone with skinny legs.
Junior. Used for someone who is a Junior, it can also replace Chip or Bud. A recent Junior is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. a well-known NASCAR race driver.
Lucky. While sometimes it is used as a nickname for someone named Luke, it refers more often to someone who has a lot of good luck. Charles Lucky Luciano was an American gangster who was part of a group that started the National Crime Syndicate.
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Famous Athletes Nicknames
George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr. Babe Ruth was a Professional Baseball Player who also went by the names the Bambino, the Sultan of Swat, and the Big Bam.
Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky. A Canadian Professional Hockey Player who is considered by many to be the best who ever played the game. Hence, The Great One.
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler. An American Professional Basketball Player and the commissioner of the 3 on 3 Basketball League.
Stan “The Man” Musial. A Hall of Fame Professional Baseball Player, he is considered one of the most consistent hitters to ever play the game.
Rocco Francis “Rocky” Marciano. Long before Sylvester Stallone made the name Rocky popular, there was Professional Boxer Rocky Marciano. To this day, he is the only heavyweight fighter to retire undefeated.
Michael “Air” Jordan. An NBA Hall-of-Famer, Michael got the nickname for the incredible amount of time he floated through the air before dunking the ball.
Ted “Teddy Ballgame” Williams. Ted Williams was a Professional Baseball Player with a lifetime batting average of .344. This impressive average also earned him the nickname The Splendid Splinter.
Elite
Lebron “King” James. Destined for the NBA Hall of Fame, the King recently won his fourth NBA championship. He got the nickname because he is the “king of the court.”
Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus. Professional Golfer Jack Nicklaus got The Golden Bear nickname not just from his golfing prowess, but his large stature and blond hair. Arnold Palmer was nicknamed “The King”, Gary “The Black Knight” Player, and Sam “The Slammer” Snead.
Kobe “The Black Mamba” Bryant. Sadly, we lost NBA legend Kobe Bryant when he was far too young. He gave himself the nickname The Black Mamba. A Black Mamba is an extremely venomous snake that is amazingly fast and agile.
Jocks
Reggie “Mr. October” Jackson. MLB player Reggie Jackson got his Mr. October nickname for his exemplary play in the playoffs during the month of October.
Joe “Broadway Joe” Namath. A Professional Football Player and member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Joe Namath got his nickname because he played for the New York Jets and was often spotted near the lights on Broadway.
Kevin “The Big-Ticket” Garnet. NBA star Kevin Garnet got his nickname while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves because everyone wanted to get a ticket to see him play. He won an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics.
Charles “Sir Charles” Barkley. Another NBA star, Charles Barkley is also called Chuck and the Round Mound of Rebound. Now, he is a basketball analyst for Turner Network Television.
David “Big Papi” Ortiz. MLB fan-favorite David Ortiz played for the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox; He finished his career as one of the most feared designated hitters in baseball.
Memorable Nicknames for Guys
Peter “Pistol Pete” Maravich. Known for a quick release on his shots, NBA player Pistol Pete Maravich was a star in college at Louisiana State University. He still holds the NCAA Division I scoring title with 3,667 points.
Adrian “All Day” Peterson. NFL running back Adrian Peterson got his nickname in College at the University of Oklahoma where it was said that he could run all day.
Joe “The Yankee Clipper” DiMaggio. Joe DiMaggio was an American Professional Baseball Player who was once briefly married to Marilyn Monroe. He was also known by the nickname Joltin’ Joe.
Shaun “The Flying Tomato” White. Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White is a snowboarder and skateboarder who is known for his crazy tricks. His plume of red hair flies around crazily as he is tumbling and twirling.
Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis got the nickname The Bus in college at the University of Notre Dame. The school newspaper gave him the nickname and it stuck.
Funny Nicknames
Lazy Bones
Atomic Bomb
Tank
Sniper
Rocket Man
Joker
Grinch
Scrooge
Terminator
Mad Man
Tarzan
Scarecrow
Porky
Darth Vader
Underdog
Poindexter
Shark
Hot Pepper
Rib Eye
Wolf Man
Space Ghost
Jungle Man
Master Blaster
Sly
Burn Out
Professor
Admiral
Baron Von Bozo
Scratchy
Brain Dead
Hard-Boiled
Red Hot
Drunkula
Unique Nicknames for Guys
Clutch
Premium
Hip Hop
Einstein
Laid Back
Prince
Whale
Mad Scientist
Money
Gene Pool
Golden Boy
Real Deal
One and Only
Bad Customer
The Firm
Magician
Glass Jaw
Headliner
Macho Man
Rampage
Grand Stan
The Kid
Two Left Feet
’Lil Warrior
The Tick
Doctor Laugh Track
Mad Dog
Giant
Vanilla
Jug Head
Short Nicknames: Abbreviated from the First Name
Charles – Chuck or Chuckles
Edward – Ed or Eddy
Robert – Bob, Rob, or Bobby
Walter – Walt
Leonard – Len or Lenny
Michael – Mike
Harold – Harry or Hal
Richard – Dick or Rick
William – Bill or Billy
Christopher – Chris
Joseph – Joe or Joey
Andrew – Drew
Thomas – Tom or Tommy
Timothy – Tim or Timothy
Henry – Hank
James – Jim or Jimmy
Nathan – Nate or Nat
Alexander – Alex
Ernest – Earnie
Samuel – Sam or Sammy
Roderick – Rod or Rodney
Nicknames for Guy Friends
Mad Max
Spanky
Lumpy
Hamster
Buzz Frightyear
Cough King
Stinky Feet
Burps on Que
Lame Bond
Beef Jerky
Party Man
Jokester
Nutty Professor
Duck Man
Chico
Fluff Head
Cub Cadet
Tough Guy
Babe Magnet
Hot One
Studly
Chico
Impressive
Dirty Birdie
Dribbles
Peanut
Cracker Jack
Ham Bone
Thumbs Up
Daffy
Rum Runner
Tequila Shooter
Fat Brain
Spaghetti Legs
Mr. Screw Off
Cookie Rookie
Jabba the Mutt
Fish Bait
My Hero
Chester Cheesy
Mr. Stand-Up
Banana Breath
Poker Face
Mayor of Munchkin Town
Cool Nicknames
The Tripper
Guru
The Big Kahuna
Stoner
Mr. Spotlight
Gypsy Chaser
Hired Gun
Brah
Snail Male
The Lush
Lady Radar
Crazy Man
Mad Scientist
Lip Sync
The Big Chunk
X-Ray Eyes
Mr. Juke Box
Doctor Upper
The Experiment
Mr. Trash Talk
Zombie Man
Lumberjack
Game Face
Bar Fly
Couch Cruiser
The Big Show
The Hulk
Charlie the Tuna
Mr. XL
Good Nicknames for guys
Captain Crusty
Pizza Man
Gilligan
Mr. Mouth
The General
Flash
Boss
Fun Size
Chip the Monk
Doctor Downtown
Bean Buster
The Teacher
Third Wheel
Mr. Messy
Skipper
Monster Man
Crusher
Wild Thing
Spike
The Outlaw
Bull Dog
Boomer
The Professional
Big League
Meat Loaf
Touchdown
Roadkill
The Preacher
Uni-Bomber
Drunk Uncle
Cute Nicknames to Call Your Boyfriend
Star Bright
Tater Tot
My Treasure
Va Va Voom Valentine
Waffles
Squirrel Cheeks
Wonder Man Wookie
Cuddle Bug
Dimples
Flame
Gangsta
My Joy
Kissy Face
Ninja
Pookie
Cutey
Teddy Bear
Sexy
My Guy
Boy Toy
Pickles
Star
Pet Names
Honey Bunch
Heart Throb
Lovee
Jazzy
Puppy
Boo Boo
Cuddle Bundle
All Hands
Tender Touch
Snuggles
Love Muffin
Poopster
Sex God
Bunny
Smoochie
Hot Lips
Magic
Pepper
My Pet
The Hammer
Nugget
Terms of Endearment: Great nicknames for guys
Pork Chop
Angel Eyes
Big Daddy
Sweet Cheeks
Vegas
Biscuit
Cheesecake
Biggie
Hashtag
Moon Pie
Snookums
Monkey Business
Big Guy
Mi Amour
Gigolo
Cream Pie
Boogie Man
Cowboy
My baby
Shooter
Tiger
All Mine
The Bomb
Tight End
Kiss Candy
Cheeky Monkey
Strong and Powerful
Ace
Grand Slam
The Hammer
The Judge
Ax Man
Hat Trick
The Pilot
Mr. Talent
Doctor Evil
The Drooler
Reverend Fun
Moon Dog
Dead Head
Hat Trick
Note: If you have suggestions for our nicknames for guys, please let us know via the contact us page.
Real Life Gangster and Mafia Nicknames
Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd
George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes
Joe “The Animal” Barboza
Jake “Greasy Thumb” Guzik
Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano
Carmine “The Snake” Persico
Phillip “Chicken Man” Testh
Joseph “Joe Bananas” Bonanno
John “The Teflon Don” Gotti
Greg “Grim Reaper” Scarpa
Vincent “The Oddfather” Gigante
Al “Scarface” Capone
John “No Nose” Difranzo
Richard “The Ice Man” Kuklinski
Tony “The Ant” Spilotto
Joseph “Joey The Clown” Lombardo
Louie “Ha–Ha” Anastanasio
Geraldo “George from Canada” Seiascia
Albert “The Mad Hatter” Anastanasia
Alvin Clarence “Titanic” Thompson
Ideas for Nicknames
Sometimes a nickname can be a different first name replacing the Original proper first name. People close to him called him Jack Kennedy, but his real first name was John. The author of the Catcher in the Rye goes by J. D. Salinger instead of his given name Jerome David Salinger. Often, nicknames can come out of nowhere like George W. Bush being known as Dubya. The Dubya is about the way they pronouns W’s in the state of Texas.
Many people use their middle name as a nickname. Here are a few: Brad Pitt is really, William Bradley Pitt, Ashton Kutcher is really Christopher Ashton Kutcher, Bruce Willis is Walter Bruce Willis, John William Ferrell goes by Will Ferrell. There are a lot of examples of people who use their middle name, either by their own choice or recommendations from friends and family.
Nicknames can be really fun and can help define someone’s personality, get a good nickname and it will stick with you forever.
Which Nickname is Perfect For You Video
There you have it! We hope you enjoyed.
By Tim Moodie and Emily Ryan
Tim Moodie’s nickname in high school was Moots. His nickname in college was Dr. Keg, but that is a different story. He has spent over 30 years in the toy business and during these years, he has worked on and created toy and game names. Including Rap Master Microphone, Street Beats Jam Van, Dueling Dice, Firebrand, Bad Eggz Bunch, Trivia Bingo, The Act Like A Dog Game, and more. Emily writes about pop culture and entertainment and calls her boyfriend “The Incredible Hunk.”
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